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Dean Arden Osterbuhr, better known as "Deano," passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on December 30, 1937. Since 2015, Dean had been living in Mooresville, North Carolina with his daughter, Melinda, after the passing of his beloved wife of 54 years, Peggy Rose. He missed Peggy dearly and carried her with him in his heart every day. Dean proudly served in the United States Air Force, with four years of active duty and two years in the reserves beginning in September 1960. After his service, he moved his family to McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, where he owned and operated a Texaco station. He worked as a mechanic and ran a towing business there until 1980. Later, he spent 17 years working for the Oregon State Highway Department before retiring. Dean had a lifelong love of cars and anything with a motor. He even built his own race car and spent weekends racing in Cottage Grove with his buddies. He loved to tell stories about his days driving a snowplow and tow truck, and he simply loved being behind the wheel-at one point even thinking about getting his CDL so he and Peggy could hit the road together. He was especially proud of his little red Ford Ranger. If you were looking for Dean, chances are he was in his garage. He was always willing to help-fixing cars, trucks, lawn equipment, or whatever someone brought his way. He loved building things too, making all kinds of projects out of wood or whatever he had lying around. After moving to North Carolina, he kept right on helping neighbors and friends with their projects. He also had a soft spot for his birds and squirrels, building feeders and laughing about how much those "dam squirrels" could eat. He loved spending time with his good friends Jesse and Winston, sharing plenty of laughs and meals together-friendships that meant a lot to him. Dean is survived by his daughter, Melinda, and her husband, Terry; his grandchildren, Jake, and Kylie; his sister, Joanne; and his half-sister, Karen and sister-in-law Maureen and God-son Jeff. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Rose; his son, David; his parents; and four brothers and sisters (Dick, Donna, Janice and David) and their spouses, along with many dear friends. A special thanks to his niece, Sharizan, who traveled from Illinois to North Carolina time and again over the years to spend time with Dean, keep him company, and help care for him. In keeping with Dean's wishes, he will be cremated, joining Peggy and David. There will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House or Lake Norman Humane. Dean loved people and loved telling a good story. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Osterbuhr family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Dean Arden Osterbuhr

December 30, 1937 - May 4, 2026