Burnsville, MN - Dean R. Ekola, 83, of Saint Paul, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 8, 2025.

Dean was born on July 25, 1942 in Hibbing, Minnesota to Gus and Agnes (Swanson) Ekola. After Dean graduated from University High School in 1960, he went on to study at the University of Minnesota. He also served in the US Army from 1964 to 1966. Dean spent the bulk of his career with Metro Transit where he retired as a Route Supervisor.

Dean was an aspiring author with an adventurous spirit. He spent many years traveling that included multiple trips on his motorcycle throughout Central America. He published his first book in 2013, "Prisoners of the Present Tense". Dean was a passionate advocate for many causes including; civil rights, preventing gun violence, and ending homelessness. In his free time he enjoyed woodworking in his shop, building models, and researching for his next writing project.

Dean is survived by his sisters, Judy Porter (Dave) and Lynne Harrington (Jeff); children, Brooke McWethy (Chris), Joanna Winston (Jason), John Ekola (Reyanna), five grandchildren and former spouses, Virginia (Krollman) and Jan (Harmon). He is preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Agnes (Swanson) Ekola; and his brother, Lee Ekola (Beverly).

A celebration of Dean's life will be held on December 19th from 4 to 8pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sandy Hook Promise - Preventing Gun Violence (Sandyhookpromise.org).