Dean Rein II

Dean John Rein II, 86, Wausau, died Friday, March 23, 2018 at Mount View Care Center under the care of Interim Hospice Care.

Dean was born June 27, 1931 in Wausau to the late Dean Arthur and Viola Gertrude (Boyack) Rein and grew up on the family farm.  He is a 1949 graduate of Wausau High School and attended UW Marathon in Wausau from 1949-51 before being drafted to serve his country in the US Army.  He served in an anti-aircraft artillery unit.  Dean met the love of life, Frances Neubauer, while working at Sears and the couple was married on July 1, 1961.  He worked at Sears for over 20 years, during which time he opened the Stoney Creek Rock and Gem Shop (1969-96) with Frances, became founding members of the Rib Mountain Gem and Mineral Society (1969-95) and served as a tax assessor for several townships in the Merrill area from 1979-2009.  Dean and Frances celebrated 56 loving years together prior to her death on October 27, 2017.

He was a very hard working, loyal, generous and honest man who had a naturally inquisitive nature.  Dean was instilled with these strong values while young and passed these on to his son.  He also ran a sawmill and shingle mill and was a gifted woodworker and craftsman.  In his free time, Dean enjoyed the solitude of the outdoors spending time logging, tapping maple trees, fishing and playing with his “Big Boy Toys” (tractors, backhoes and his mule).  Dean also enjoyed traveling to Germany with Frances to visit her homeland and spent time reading historical texts about the old west and World War II.

Dean is survived by his son, Dean L. (Kathy) Rein III; grandson, Dean C. Rein IV; and extended family and friends.

Private services will be held for Dean, entombment will occur at Restlawn Mausoleum, Town of Texas.  Helke Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marathon County Humane Society (7001 Packer Drive, Wausau, WI 54401).

A word of thanks goes to Interim Home Care and Hospice Agency; the doctors, nurses and staff of the Aspirus Oncology department and the nurses and staff of Mount View Care Center for their care for Dean.  Very special appreciation goes to Marcey Lewens who was a dedicated caregiver to both Dean and Frances.