Dean Nachreiner

MADISON - Dean Matthew Nachreiner, age 71, passed away on July 26, 2021. Dean was born on February 26, 1950 to parents Imelda (Brechtl) and Ferdie Nachreiner, joining his brother Dale and followed by his six sisters. Dean and Dale were best playmates and Dean was a good big brother to his sisters. Dean grew up working in his parents’ cheese company and exploring the hills around his parents’ home. He was a child of the 1950s and loved to watch favorite shows on the television. He grew into a man of passionate views, a voracious reader who loved to learn, explore and discuss ideas.

Dean also loved music and shared his knowledge of music and musicians with his friends and family. He could date, identify the artist and name of almost any song – often also naming other musicians in the recording. Dean was a strong Wisconsin team fan. He supported UW-Madison teams and a favorite pastime included traveling to games with his friends and cheering on the Badgers and the Packers. His travels with friends – in particular a trip to Germany to visit his ancestral homeland – was a source of joy to Dean.

Dean had a childlike spark. He played and giggled with his many nieces and nephews. Whether it was a sledding in his pajamas, decorating gingerbread houses during the holidays, or making up silly poems – Dean’s nieces and nephews’ lives were enriched by Dean. Dean’s family will fondly remember Dean at the many dinners, holidays and marathon card games at the Nachreiner home; Dean was a coveted partner in card games and Trivial Pursuit.

Dean was a tender soul who struggled as an adult with bipolar disease. He was supported over the past several years by his friend and cousin, Lyle Schweiss. Lyle saw Dean through the good times and bad.

One of Dean’s favorite musicians was Van Morrison and a favorite album was Moondance.

When all the dark clouds roll away

And the sun begins to shine

I see my freedom from across the way

And it comes right in on time

Well it shines so bright and it gives so much light

And it comes from the sky above

Makes me feel so free, makes me feel like me

And it lights my life with love

Van Morrison, Brand New Day

Dean is survived in death by his mother Imelda Nachreiner of Plain, his brother Dale and sister-in-law (Patricia) of Port Angeles, WA, as well as his sisters: Victoria (Peter) Bear of Costa Rica, Mary Jo (Tom) Fruechtel of Langley, WA, Barb (Steve) Holmes of St. Joseph, MI, Beth Nachreiner of Middleton, WI, Gloria Nachreiner of Mauston, WI and Tonia (Tom) Feiner of Spring Green. Dean was preceded in death by his father Ferdie Nachreiner and his brother-in-law, Dennis Weiss.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Contributions in Dean’s memory can be made to one of his favorite charities – Emily’s List, P.O. Box 96612, Washington DC, 20077. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257