Dean Kretzschmar, 57, of Baltic, SD, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Kris, and loved ones at Avera McKennan Hospital following complications from a stroke. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Westside Chapel (6200 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls). The family will greet friends for visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, December 5, 2025, also at the funeral home.

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Dean was born on February 14, 1968, in Huron, SD, to Lyle Kretzschmar and Phyllis Hanson. He grew up in Clark, SD, where he attended Clark High School and worked at the local potato plant before moving to Hartford, SD. In Hartford, he farmed for his father and for Bob Reiner, built houses for Richard Brouwer, and later spent time working for Anderson Western.

Dean's proudest role was that of a father. On May 28, 1992, he welcomed his daughter, Kelsey Marie - the center of his world. In 1993, he joined the trucking business alongside his father, Lyle, and his brother, Troy. When Dean was home, he'd often bring Kelsey Marie to the shop, where she would ride along with him on truck routes—earning her the nickname "Chuck." Dean and Chuck shared a close bond, enjoyed a love of hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and working on trucks together.

In March 2002, Dean met Kris, the love of his life, and six weeks later, they purchased a farmhouse in rural Baltic. Dean and Kris loaded up their semi-truck, headed to Niagara Falls, NY, and eloped on March 26, 2003. Blending their lives, Dean gained three more children: Kourtney, Kelsey Rae, and J.J. Life with four teenagers—active in cheerleading, softball, FFA, and football—was busy, but Dean thrived in the chaos, loving the energy that filled their home.

Dean was a proud father and grandfather. He was devoted to his children and found immense joy in his grandchildren, Peyton and Paige, who were the pride and joy of his life.

Dean is survived by his loving wife, Kris, of Baltic, SD; children, Kelsey Marie Kretzschmar of Boulder, CO, Kourtney Nicholson (Matt) of Akron, IA, Kelsey Rae Pojar of Sioux Falls, SD, and J.J. Pojar (Ashley) of Crooks, SD; mother, Phyllis Hanson of Clark, SD; brother, Troy Kretzschmar (Michelle) of Crooks, SD; and several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends and family members whose lives he touched.

Dean was preceded in death by his father, Lyle Kretzschmar, and his sister, Dawn Heer.

Dean's love for his family, his hardworking nature, and his passion for life will continue to inspire all who knew him.