Dean DeMoe, 64, formerly of Tioga, ND, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood, Montana, after a courageous battle with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. While Alzheimer’s ultimately took so much from him, it never took away the love he had for his family, his passion for life, or the impact he made on those around him.

After graduating from Tioga High School in 1980, Dean attended a year of college at UND-Williston and then entered the work force. A hardworking man by nature, Dean loved to work. Throughout his career, he held supervisory roles in both the oilfield and asbestos removal industries. He was a natural leader who took pride in doing a job well, looking out for the people he worked with, and never being afraid to get his hands dirty. Work was more than simply a job to him—it was something he genuinely enjoyed and took great pride in.

Dean met Debbie, the love of his life in 1987. Two years later, they were married, beginning a marriage that would span 37 years. Their love was one of the most important parts of Dean’s life, and it remained strong throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s. Even as the disease took away memories and abilities, Dean never forgot his wife. He knew who she was, and he continued to look at her with the same love in his eyes. Their bond was a beautiful reminder that some things run deeper than memory.

Above all else, Dean was a devoted and loving husband, father to Lindsey, Tyler and McKenna, and proud papa to Chesney and Kiplee. His family was his greatest accomplishment and his greatest source of pride. He was the kind of husband and father who was there supporting, encouraging, protecting, and loving his family through every season of life. The memories he created with them will be treasured forever.

He found happiness in being outside and took great pride in doing yardwork and hosting barbecues. Dean had a love for spending time on the water, whether he was fishing, taking a boat ride with family, or water skiing across the lake. He enjoyed doing the things he loved with the people he cared about most. He also had a lifelong passion for NASCAR, and when it came to football, he proudly cheered for the Denver Broncos and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Dean’s experience with early-onset Alzheimer’s gave him a purpose that extended far beyond himself. For the past 20 years, Dean was deeply committed to Alzheimer’s research and dedicated much of his life to helping find answers, improve understanding, and create hope for others facing this devastating disease. He believed that no family should have to experience what his did, and he worked tirelessly to make a difference. Dean and his family traveled attending many Alzheimer’s Family conferences and were honored to have spoken at some of them. Dean’s quote is one we live by to this day, “It's not what you’re dealt with in life, it's how you deal with it." His dedication to Alzheimer’s research will be an important part of the legacy he leaves behind, as his final contribution he donated his brain to further this cause. Although Alzheimer’s changed the course of his life, it did not define who he was. He was also a loyal friend and a person who cared deeply about making a difference in the lives of others.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Deb; his children, Tyler; McKenna (Rhett) Wolter; and Lindsey (Jon) Sarkilahti. his grandchildren; Chesney and Kiplee (and twin boys due in February); sister Karla (Matt) Hornstein; many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his treasured friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Gail DeMoe; his four siblings, Brian, Lori, Doug, and Jamie; his father- and mother-in-law, Roy and Marge Clark; his nephew, Brady; and many other beloved extended family members who also succumbed to Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

His family takes comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended and that his memory will continue through the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the work he devoted himself to. His race is finished, but his legacy will continue.

He was deeply loved. He will be profoundly missed. And he will never be forgotten.

Memorial Contribution