Dean Tanner, age 81, of Mitchell, died Wednesday, November 24, 2004 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday at St. Marys Episcopal Church. Burial will be at Servicemens Memorial Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Sunday at Will Funeral Chapel. Dean Tanner was born November 22, 1923, at Mitchell, SD to William L. and Elizabeth (McKillip)Tanner. Dean grew up and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1941. He then joined the US Army in 1943 and served in the European Theater with the 310th Infantry in the 78th Infantry division. Dean was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Mitchell where he attended Dakota Wesleyan University and later worked at Automotive Supply. Dean was united in marriage with Shirley Higgs on June 26, 1948 in Mitchell. He later worked at the United States Post Office and retired in 1989 after 28 years of service. In his retirement, Dean drove a school bus part-time and enjoyed traveling to visit his children, family and friends. He was a member of St. Marys Episcopal Church, where he served as an acolyte and usher. He was also a member of the VFW, Elks Club and the Mitchell Historical Club. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Shirley; two children: Jan Ghiorzi and husband Christopher, Kirkland, WA, Todd and wife, Nikki, Orlando, FL; , daughter-in-law, Vicki Tanner of Mitchell; five grandchildren Ian Ghiorzi, Kirkland, WA, Ryan Minniear, Orlando, FL, Nicholas Minniear, Orlando, FL, Echo Heinrich and her husband, Roddy, Vermillion, SD, Jenni Bates and her husband, Greg, Vermillion, SD; three great grandchildren, McKenzie Heinrich, Kaitlynn Heinrich, and Coral Bates; one brother, Glenn Tanner and wife, Nelda, Chino Valley, Arizona. He was preceded in death by a son, Terry and his parents.