PIERRE, SD – Arthur Dean Gretschmann,87, passed away on April 20, 2026 at Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs in Yankton, South Dakota. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, South Dakota, Isburg Funeral Chapel has been placed in care of the arrangements.
Dean was born on July 27, 1938, in Yankton, South Dakota to Arthur and Arvilla (Moore) Gretschmann.
He graduated in 1956 from Springfield High School, in Springfield, South Dakota. He attended Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, South Dakota for 2 years receiving a degree in Engineer Drafting. He worked for the Highway Department in Pierre, South Dakota. He met Judy Anderson and they were married October of 1959 and celebrated 64 years together before Judy’s passing on June 16, 2023.
Dean served 2 years in the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After his discharge from the Army they moved back to Pierre, South Dakota. He worked for the State of South Dakota Aeronautics Division for 30 years and retired in 1996. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and guiding on the Missouri River. His love for the outdoors and people gave him much enjoyment. He took a trip to Washington State for tuna fishing with good friends, Lance and Chuck.
His last home was at Spring Creek Resort above the Missouri River where he spent many days enjoying the great outdoors of South Dakota with family and friends. He and Judy spent time traveling, winters in Texas and visits to Sturgis and Springfield, South Dakota.
Dean is survived by his sister, Barbara (John) Mesman, brother, Terry (Rita) Gretschmann, several nieces and nephews and special friend, Nadene Bamsey.
Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, his parents, brothers Arlingh and Willits.
