Dean "Deano" Jallo

Dean Jallo, 70, of Hawley, MN, died Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. 

Dean Gary Jallo, lovingly known as “Deano” and “Grandpa Spanky”, was born May 16, 1954, in Crookston, MN, to Arnold and Marcella (Wilt) Jallo. He lived for a short time in Fertile, MN but later the family moved to a farm east of Waubun, MN, where Dean graduated from high school in 1972. A strong work ethic was instilled in Dean early on, and he grew up working hard alongside his family doing farmwork and hand milking cows since eight years old. After graduation he moved to Ulen, MN and worked at Mahnomen Farmers Union Oil Company, and later managed the Flom Ulen Fertilizer and Chemical Plant. Dean married Lynne Paul on December 11, 1975. They had 3 children together and raised them in Ulen. Dean and Lynne were divorced in 1990. Dean moved to Stephen, MN and managed Stephen Co-Op Union Oil Company for a couple of years but later moved to Hawley, MN and began working for Moorhead Farmers Union Oil Company (Petro Serve).

On January 25, 1992, Dean married Penny Wenner and they made their home in Hawley, MN. Dean worked for Petro Serve until 2016, when he took early retirement so he could enjoy his love of the outdoors and time with his family.

Dean was happiest when he was outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, gardening or spending time at the lake. Dean and Penny loved traveling together and enjoyed many years of memories and created lifelong friendships in Devil’s Lake, ND, Panama City Beach, FL and Lake of the Woods. Dean was a master gardener and he loved to cook with the enormous bounty from his vegetable gardens each year.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Dean’s life was devoted to his family and friends, patiently teaching those around him all the life lessons they would need to know. His sense of humor and deep, hearty laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Dean faced life’s hardships with quiet dignity and strength, always living life to the fullest, determined to spend his days living the way he wanted to live. He will be deeply missed by his family and his large network of friends and neighbors that he loved as if they were family.

Dean is survived by his wife, Penny Jallo, Hawley; daughters, Angie Jallo (Shane Block), Moorhead, Casey (Tyler) Leach, Glyndon, MN, Ashley (Josh) Kjos, Wilmar, MN, Melissa (Tom) Worden, Rochester, MN, Krista (Junaid) Siddiqui, Eagan, MN, and Branda (Justin) Anderson, Rochester, MN; son, Brett (Casey Cole) Busby, Sabin, MN; brother, Arlen (Cheryl) Jallo, Marcola, OR and sister, Laurie (Brenda) Jallo, Gig Harbor, WA; 15 beloved grandchildren; many aunts and uncles, and many dear friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 P.M., with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN. Refreshments will be served following the service.