Dean Bell

May 09, 1958 - January 22, 2026

Obituary

MADISON – Dean Franklin Bell, age 67, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026. Dean was born on May 9, 1958, to Walter and Amy (Lee) Bell, in Madison, WI. He attended East High School. Dean loved cars and was an autobody repairman for over 40 years Bruns Volkswagen and Pollock Autobody. Dean enjoyed camping, fishing, and watching the Packers, but he especially loved harassing his grandkids. He will always be missed.

Dean is survived by his sons, Jeremy (Jamie) and Adam (Sarah); grandchildren, Trinity, Brayden, Autumn, Jenna, Preston, and Noah; great grandchildren, Elijah, Le’aja, and Sylas; sister, Cheryl (James); brothers, John and Ronald; sister-in-law, Kathy; the mother of his children, Theresa; and furry buddy, Ted. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Dean is preceded by his parents; infant son, Jeremy Lee; brother, Daniel; and sister-in-law, Marilyn.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison. A visitation will be held from 10:00AM until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.

A special thanks to the staff at Agrace Hospice for their loving care and support. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257

Events

Visitation

Sat Feb 7, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST

Ryan Funeral Home • 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, Madison, WI 53704

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Celebration of Life

Sat Feb 7, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CST

Ryan Funeral Home • 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704, Madison, WI 53704

Get Directions Send Flowers for Dean's Celebration of Life

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Cheryl Seiler

Friend • 20 hours ago

Dean was my teenage love. We used to go under the railroad bridge by Warner park, where we scratched in under it, Dean and Sherry forever. I still loved him after all these years. Our lives moved in different directions, but we still conversed on facebook. I was so shocked to hear of his passing. RIP Dean, my love.

Kati Stone

Friend • 22 hours ago

Dean was one of my favorite dads I ever met in my whole life. I met Dean when I was 15, at a time when my best friend Jamie and I weren’t great at listening. I remember fondly a New Year’s Eve at the Howard Johnson on East Washington, where Dean and Theresa asked us politely several times to leave, and then maybe a few more not as nicely. Each time we would “leave” we’d come right back in another door. And they found us again and again and again and unfortunately again. And through all that he still decided to love me too. Although he may not have been happy to see me every time he saw me when I was younger. He always had a smile waiting for me as an adult! I am so thankful to have met Dean and known him for the majority of my life and been inspired to be a fun, loving, forgiving, accepting, great parent like he showed me through he was.

Barb Pruitt

Friend • 1 day ago

Dean and I grew up in sane neighborhood - he was alesgs njce and kind and fun - he was good fruends eith my younger brother , so he’d hang around iur house , which I enjoed - Rest in Peace and God’s arms ☮️

Elizabeth Park

Family • 1 day ago

Dean was a person who always wanted to avoid drama. He was always kind and had a fabulous laugh. He will be missed