Dean J. Ashmore, age 92, of Fennimore passed away on Tuesday morning December 8, 2020 at home, with his family at his side. He was born on October 25,1928 in Fennimore, the son of Walter and Erma (Maso) Ashmore. He was united in marriage to Evelyn Iverson on June 14, 1952.
Dean grew up on the family farm north of Fennimore, and always planned to have his own; after a stint in the Army, and other jobs in Madison, he was able to move his family back to Fennimore and begin farming on his own. While he and Evelyn worked very hard, Dean was active in summer softball leagues, and loved playing hoops in the hayloft, as well as enjoying cards with their card club. He and Evelyn were great parent supporters of the Plum Valley Boosters 4H Club and school sports. He was very proud of the cross-country course he maintained on the farm where “Runs For Fun” were held four times a summer for more than 40 years. Dean was always happy to help his neighbors whenever he could. He was an active member of the American Legion, and supporter of Southwest Opportunity Center and Special Olympics. He and Evelyn were together for 41 years, until her death from cancer.
Dean got a second chance at love when he met Carole. They were married November 24, 1995. When they married, they said they hoped they would have ten to fifteen happy years together; they made it to twenty-five. Carole brought her daughter, Lorinda, and granddaughter Brittany to the family.
Dean had never spent much time on the river before marrying Carole, but came to enjoy it. He loved going for boat rides, but never got into the fishing. He took up golf in his 60’s, and it seemed to come naturally to him. He joined the Senior League and had many, many happy hours on the course and in the clubhouse, too, as well as earning himself a couple of trophies. Dean and Carole were able to take some overseas trips, cruises, and many bus trips. He enjoyed many card and other games with family and friends, and loved talking to people in his role as a volunteer at the Railroad Museum. Because of his support of the community, Dean was named Citizen of the Year in 2014.
Dean loved being outdoors; on most days he would go to the farm for much of the day. When he wasn’t at the farm, his day would be spent outside at home, too. He was happy working with the flowers, fruit, vegetables and lawn, and always did a lovely job. He would always bring flowers in for Carole, and she enjoyed them all.
Dean was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn, his parents, and his sisters, Betty and Barbara.
Dean is survived by his wife, Carole, his children, Nancy (Peter Barnard) Ashmore, Tim (Jan Underwood) Ashmore, Stuart (Peggy Schoettle) Ashmore, Steven Ashmore, Diane Ashmore, and Greg (Teresa) Ashmore, Lorinda (Tim) Baus, grandchildren Brittany (Wade) Melichar, Chelsea (AJ) Fuerstenberg, Martin Barnard, Ryan Ashmore, Brandon Ashmore, Forrest Ashmore, and Mason Ashmore, as well as two great grandchildren, Amelia and Mathias Melichar
Due to the pandemic, a memorial service will not be held at this time. A “Celebration of Life” along with burial in the Rock Church Cemetery in rural Livinston with Military Honors will be held at a later date. Memorials in loving memory of Dean Ashmore may be given to: Southwest Opportunities Center, Inc., P.O. Box 207, Lancaster, WI 53813. The Larson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family and cards of sympathy may be sent here at 925 10th St. Fennimore, WI 53809.