Dean Estenson

Dean Allen Estenson, 62, of West Fargo, died November 30, 2025, at Parkside Lutheran Nursing Home in Lisbon.  Dean’s family thanks HIA Hospice and the staff at Parkside for their wonderful care.

Dean was born August 3, 1963, in Fargo to Virgil and Cynthia (Torgerson) Estenson.  At birth he had life-saving surgery attaching his intestines, leaving a life-long patchwork of scars on his abdomen.  Dean ‘s mother, Cynthia died in 1964.  Virgil later married Elizabeth (Betty) Shelton.  Virgil had Dean, two other sons and a daughter, and Betty had three daughters…seven children!  Remember the Brady Bunch? Dean was the youngest.

When Dean was eight, Virgil and Betty purchased the Dairy Queen on Main Street in West Fargo. All seven children had summer jobs, including Dean whose job it was to pick up litter at the Dairy Queen.  He inherited the love of cooking and the restaurant business from Virgil.

Dean moved to Denver with a group of close friends in 1990, where he was the supervisor at an asbestos removal company. Dean attended culinary school in 1993. He graduated with honors and won many competitions against rival culinary schools. Dean married Whitney Davis in 1995 becoming stepfather to her small daughters Aubrey and Claire. Although the marriage ended, he stayed an integral part of their lives and a supportive and loving parent to Aubrey and Claire. Dean was admitted to the American Culinary Federation in 1997, and was proud to be a chef, which became his life-long occupation.  In 2000, Dean became the Executive Chef at the Denver Zoo, bringing the zoo national accolades with his culinary creativity and expertise. At the same time, Dean was a member of a local successful rock band performing in a five-state area to adoring audiences. Many people will remember his creativity in the kitchen and with his guitar. Dean loved the band Rush, and could play the guitar parts of his favorite Rush songs. Dean returned to West Fargo in 2008, and was proud of working as a chef in local restaurants.

Dean is survived by his brothers Paul (Julie) Estenson, St. Peter, MN, Jay (Jean) Estenson, Champlin, MN, sisters April (Terry) Haar, Fargo, ND, Cheryl (Monty Mertz) Montgomery of West Fargo, ND, Shelly (Steve) Snow, Llano, TX, and Rhonda (Jim) Flem of Fargo, ND, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Dean was preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia, his father, Virgil, and Virgil’s wife (lovingly referred to as “mom”) Betty Estenson, and brother-in-law, Todd Montgomery. 

Please direct memorials to the New Life Center in memory of Dean for their Genesis residential recovery program.  Dean was accepted in the program and started this summer, finally ready to get help.  It was the perfect place for him. Sadly, his physical health prevented him from continuing.

Dean’s funeral service will be held at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, Friday, December 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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