Dean G Sanftleben

Mazomanie--Dean G Sanftleben, age 74, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, March 13, 2023.  He was born May 13, 1948 to the late Herman and Anna (Wille) Sanftleben.  Dean grew up on the family farm in the town of Berry that he would eventually return to in retirement. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1966 and in 1967 started his career with the Village of Mazomanie Public Works and Utility. During his time at the village Dean made many lifelong connections and truly enjoyed serving and helping the local residents, retiring in 2014 after 47 years of service.  Dean was united in marriage to Thankful Coppernoll on Sept. 17, 1971 at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Middleton.  During retirement Dean enjoyed putzing around his farm. He took pride in caring for his things, often challenging himself to see how long he could keep them working. It’s amazing what he could find laying around to use to fix something else. If you have ever experienced one of Dean’s vehicles you know what we mean. Prior to moving back to the town of Berry Dean could be found at the Mazomanie Transfer site.  He frequently came home with more treasures, than he had left with. Dean had a knack for remembering things, important events and dates in people’s lives.  He would often call just to say Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary.  Notorious for his sweet tooth, Dean often had something sweet in his hand, pocket, or nearby.  Dean prided himself on making caramel corn for family and friends, as well as Rice Krispie treats for his grandkids, individually wrapped in waxed paper. Most important to Dean was his family.  He enjoyed family vacations, and much to the delight of his grandkids he recently braved the zipline in Tennessee.  He would do anything for his family. Dean is survived by his wife, Thankful; his girls, Heidi (Jeff) Hollenberger and their daughters, Eve and Abby; Jodi (Don) Kleist and their daughters, Kenzington, Gracelyn, and Londyn; sister in laws, Joan Sanftleben and Dale Clason; brother in-law, Ken (Connie) Coppernoll; nieces, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Cletus Sanftleben; brother in-law, David Clason and niece, Jennifer Buhler. The family would like to thank the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, District One EMS, Waunakee EMS and all of the other first responders that arrived to help.  A special thank you to Josh Lafevre, of the Dane County Sheriff’s Department for going above and beyond to help the family that night. Dean would have appreciated it.   A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023 at Hooverson Funeral Home, Hwy 14 West, Mazomanie from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.   A private service with burial will be held in the St. Martin’s Cemetery, Cross Plains.   Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com