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| April 8, 2018 1:00 AM

Dean Lundblad, 78

On April 3, 2018, we lost “our beloved Dean”; husband, father, grandfather, Coach, teacher, friend and mentor.

Dean was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Roland and Gerda Lundblad on Nov. 29, 1939. He grew up in Dover, Idaho, where he developed a passion for the outdoors and learned the values of honesty, integrity and hard work. Dean graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1957, where he played for the legendary Cotton Barlow and lettered in three sports. Dean attended college at Columbia Basin College, enrolling in the R.O.T.C. program. He then attended North Idaho Jr. College where he played on the basketball team, and graduated from The University of Idaho with a B.A. in education. While at Idaho he was a member of the ATO fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. He went on to attend Utah State where he earned his master’s degree.

Dean started his teaching career in White Swan, Wash., where he coached football, baseball and basketball. While at White Swan he led the basketball team to their first State Title game. This accomplishment is considered one of the 50 greatest sports stories in Washington history. During his time at White Swan his sons D.J. and Kurt were born.

He was hired for the Coeur d’Alene coaching job in 1968, a coaching position that he had aspired to have. Dean coached the Vikings for 16 years, when his teams played in five state title games, winning in 1973. The influence he had on and off the court created many fond memories for players, students and families. 1973 became an even more special year when Dean’s daughter, Erika was born.

Dean continued to teach until 1993. In 2006, “Coach” was inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame.

After his retirement, his avocation became his vocation. A collector at heart; cars, memorabilia, and petroliana became his passion, which is continued on today through his family. Dean was the original “Picker.”

In 1977 Dean married Sharon and two families became one! In their 40 years together Dean and Sharon enjoyed their best times traveling, golfing, dancing and just spending time together. In 1980 Bennett Bay became their home on the Lake where the great family memories began.

Dean had great passion for all that he did, but his love for his family was his “greatest passion.” Enjoying his grandchildren growing up in Coeur d’Alene and attending every birthday party, sporting event or anything that involved a grandchild became high priorities in his life.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Sharon; children, D.J. (Marni), Kurt (Dawn), Erika (Dan), Kip (Debbie), Kyle (Dawn), Kelli (Dennis), Kory, Kerry, Christy (Clint) and Kim (Christine); 23 grandchildren; and sister, Karen Woods.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Lake City Church in Coeur d’Alene. A reception will follow the service at the CaddyShack. The Lundblad family would like to thank everyone for their love and support! Please visit Dean’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com