Dean Leibfried, age 66, of Ivanhoe, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 28th, 2024 at his home in Ivanhoe. Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe, MN. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at the church and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery at a later date. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Canby, MN is entrusted with arrangements.

Dean Francis Leibfried was born on February 26, 1957 in Tyler, MN. He was the seventh of eleven children born to Dennis & Dorothy (Burns) Leibfried. He enjoyed his childhood riding bike and playing ball with the neighbor kids. Dean loved sports. Throughout high school he played for the Ivanhoe Eagles football, basketball, and baseball teams. Dean graduated High School in 1975. Shortly after, he started dating the love of his life Carmen Koopman. They were married on July 28, 1978 and were blessed with three daughters: Robin, Dawn and Megan.  Dean had a heart of gold and a reputation of being a hard worker even during his two-year battle with Cancer. His work ethic started at the age of 12 when he began working with his dad at the Lyon County Co-op. After graduation, he worked for Great Plain Supply, Sterzinger Construction, Lake Beverage Wholesale, Ivanhoe Elevator, Bradley Trucking, and Southwest Wholesale. Each fall, he looked forward to getting into the tractor helping Randy Hauschild with fall tillage. Dean retired after 27+ years of doing what he loved, plowing snow with the Lincoln County Highway Department. His dedication to the Ivanhoe community could be seen through his drive and passion. For 26 years, he was a member of the Ivanhoe Fire Department. Dean dedicated 30 years to the Ivanhoe Ambulance, serving as Ambulance Director for 18 of those years. He also represented SWMN serving as a state EMS board member.  An infectious smile and laugh followed Dean in everything he did. He could be found playing on any number of softball teams, bowling, or golfing league on men’s night. Family traditions have always been important including the annual family camping trip, garage sales, and selling Forestburg watermelons. Polish Days is a bonus holiday for the Leibfried Clan, gathering together creating a weekend full of memories. Riding his Honda Goldwing has been a lifelong love of both Dean & Carmen. They enjoyed several rides with their fellow “Road Dawgs” including 6 cross country trips. These trips were memories of a lifetime with great friends.  The biggest part of Dean’s heart belonged to his family, his entire Leibfried Clan Family, currently tallying 124, and more specifically his ten grandchildren. Teasing, tickling, spoiling, chasing, cheering, encouraging, and loving them all. He loved supporting all their activities; being their #1 fan in the stands. A special bond with each one; inside jokes, little quirks, and always a treat. 10 grandchildren were wrapped around grandpa’s 10 fingers.

Dean is survived by his wife, Carmen of 45 years. His daughters, Robin & Jason Bednarek of Marshall MN, Dawn & Ryan Boom of Fargo ND, and Megan & Chad Midtaune of Hendricks MN. His grandchildren, Maddison Bednarek (Karter and Paisley DeSmet), Lexie, Jayda and Jaxsen Bednarek, Paxton, Wyatt, and Camden Boom, Jake, Avery and Kendyll Midtaune. Siblings, Mick & Phyllis Leibfried, Joan & Ralph Schultz, DeEtte Leibfried & Goldie Pool, Julie Leibfried, Sue & Tom Gervais, Kevin & Judy Leibfried, Keith Leibfried, Becky & Jim Gladis, Kelly & Lynn Leibfried. In-laws Ron & Laura Koopman, Julie & Mike Tykwinski. Mother in-law, MaryAnn Koopman, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis & Dorothy Leibfried, brothers Mark, Bruce and David Leibfried, Great-Niece Kendra Leibfried, Father in-law Arthur Koopman, brother in-law, David Koopman.

As Dean would say “I’m fine”