Ingrid Dean

Ingrid Gisela Dean, 87, of Rockford, our beloved Mutti, Oma and friend, passed away peacefully to the music of Nat King Cole on March 4, 2021.  Born in Stettin, Germany, July 24, 1933, the daughter of Edmund and Frieda Lorenz, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 25 to marry her first husband, Elmars H. Viesturs.  They had two children, Velta and Edmund.  She was happily married a second time to Raymond A. Dean.  In her 87 years, Ingrid shared her generosity, camaraderie, wisdom and wit with her friends and family alike.  She shared with us her many German dishes and how to cook them, how to entertain and how to drink Jägermeister!  She taught us how to garden and find the beauty in everything.  But most importantly, Ingrid taught us how to use our hearts to the fullest.  Her generosity and companionship had no limitations, showering her loved ones with gifts and affection.  When Ingrid loved you, she loved you fiercely and without abandon.  Even towards the end, she still had her wit and enjoyed a good laugh.  Ingrid Dean was a force to be reckoned with and will always remain “Unforgettable”.  Being a trained beautician in her native Germany, she worked for many years in her home salon while her children were young then later in life, she was employed at Bergner’s in the hat and wig department and was affectionately known as “the wig lady” and had a reputation in town for helping to fit wigs for women who had lost their hair due to illness or chemotherapy.  Ingrid was also employed by the University Club of Rockford for many years as “head waitress” and many members fondly referred to her “Queen Bee”.  Ingrid is survived by her children, Velta Pocs and her husband, Paul, of Rockford and Ed Viesturs and his wife, Paula, of Sun Valley, Idaho; six grandchildren, Nadia and Lilija Pocs and Gilbert, Ella, Anabel, and Nina Viesturs.  She also leaves behind a lifelong family of friends, the Wiegel and Jacobson families and her goddaughter, Melinda Jacobson Scheideman.  Predeceased by her parents; a brother; and a sister; and husbands, Elmars H. Viesturs and Raymond Dean.  The family is especially grateful to the caring and attentive staff of Bickford Senior Living, where she spent the last four years of her life and a big heartfelt “thank you” to the compassionate caregivers of Mercy Health Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Inurnment in Arlington Memorial Park.  If desired, memorials may be addressed to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Ingrid’s name.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.