Dean Allen Klakken Sr., age 86 of Hamilton, MT went home to the angels on August 12, 2026. May he rest peacefully among the angels and remain in our hearts forever.
Dean was born August 2, 1940 in Noxon, MT to Albert and Joy Klakken. He graduated from Noxon High School in 1958, and went to work for the State of Montana DOT as a civil engineer on Lookout Pass and retired from his career in Hamilton. In January 1966, he was drafted into the US Army and served two years of active duty. During his service, he was stationed at Cam Rayn Bay, Vietnam, Fort Knox, Kentucky. While stationed at Fort Knox, he had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby.
After completing his two years of active duty, Dean continued serving in the Army Reserves until January 1970, when he was honorably discharged.
Dean returned home and continued his employment with the State of Montana Department of Transportation (MT DOT). His work took him throughout Western Montana, including Deborgia, Moore, Plains, and Hamilton. In 1967, he met Sharon Finley in Haugan, MT, and they were married on August 3, 1968, at Dean’s parents’ home in Noxon. Along the journey, they had three children, Jackie, Dean Jr. and Shannon. In 1983, they settled in Hamilton MT. After he retired from the Highway Department he went to work for construction companies throughout Western MT.
In Lewistown, Dean and Sharon shared a love of bowling, which brought them together as partners on a bowling league. They also enjoyed antelope hunting with friends in Central Montana. Dean was well liked both at work and in his personal life, and he and Sharon built lasting friendships through the activites they enjoyed together. June 1998, a grandson arrived, Dean Allen Klakken III, and he became the highlight of their lives and namesake. Dean enjoyed the simple pleasures of life–working in his garden, mowing his yard, playing with the dogs, and spending time with his family. He especially treasured the time he spent with D3. They played many games together, but their favorite was a pirate treasure hunt. Dean would bury coins in the driveway, and D3 would set off on an adventure to discover what the pirates had left behind.
Dean was a proud and supportive grandfather. He loved attending D3’s football, wrestling, baseball, and track events and cheering him on from the stands. One of Dean’s proudest moments was seeing D3 enter the service. He proudly attended D3’s boot camp graduation in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Dean took great pride in the things he enjoyed, whether it was being a self-proclaimed “professional lawn mower” of his own yard, puttering outside, or spending hours working on computer programs. He enjoyed a cold, inexpensive beer and good conversation with family members and neighbors. He was also a devoted 49ers fan and remained loyal to the team from the beginning.
Above all, Dean was a patient and loving father, grandfather, and friend. He never knew a stranger, and people felt comfortable talking with him about anything, knowing they would be met with kindness and without judgment. He was grateful for the life he lived and, most of all, for the people who shared it with him.
Dean was a devoted dad who was deeply loved by his family and friends. His kindness, patience, and genuine nature touched countless lives. The memories he created, the love he gave, and the lives he touched will remain with those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Dad always had a kind hand and heart to lean on. Dean enjoyed fishing with the Captain (Gary) and spending time in AK. He was solid as a rock to his family and friends. We looked up to him, and we will forever miss him as he will be walking every step with us until we meet again. Dean is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sharon; his daughters, Jackie Klakken of Renton, WA, and Shannon Penner (Gary) of Sterling, AK; his son, Dean Klakken Jr. (Alison Lion, significant other) of Stevensville, MT; and his cherished grandson, Dean Klakken III (Hannah Hicks, Fiancée) of Missoula, MT; many family members and friends.
He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with them always.
Services will be held with full Military Honors at Daly-Leach Chapel on August 20th, 2026 at 1:00 pm in Hamilton. Reception to follow.
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