Obituary for Dean Roger Myhre

Dean was born to Styrk and Amanda (Lybeck) Myhre on June 21st, 1944. Being the youngest of 7 children, he was taught to work the family farm from a very young age. After graduating from Caledonia High School in 1962, Dean continued to farm with unwavering strength until Parkinson’s Disease recently affected his mobility.

Dean and former spouse, Joyce Collies welcomed their first born Roger in 1971, followed by the births of their second son Francis and daughter Jennifer.

On April 7th, 1984, Dean was united in marriage to Connie Serres of Brownsville, Mn. The pair welcomed two daughters, Amanda and Caitlin thereafter. After many years spent together on the farm, they began enjoying yearly vacations to Ixtapa, Mexico, where he made many friends that became an extended family and spoiling their 9 grandchildren.

Dean’s passion and lifelong dedication to the Hampshire breed began when he was just 10 and given the runt of a litter of pigs by his brother. He not only raised the gilt but successfully had her bred. This led to a life filled with many accomplishments and accolades. Dean began exhibiting at the Minnesota State Fair in 1962, showing boars, gilts and barrows. He had shown numerous champions over that 50 years. Dean was a supporter of the 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction as well as donating trophies to both the Houston County 4-H show and State Fair 4-H show. He was very proud to be the first sponsor of the MN Jr Barrow Show.

He built a strong reputation as a breeder of superior Hampshire hogs, holding production sales for many years with Myhre genetics being found throughout the United States. Dean set records for highest selling boar and highest selling gilt with the legacy that was Reachin’ Out.

Dean’s service to organizations spanned all levels. He served two terms on the National Hampshire Swine Registry Board, served on the Board of the Minnesota Purebred Swine Breeders Association and as a president on the local level. He also spent 24 years on the Houston County Fair Board and was president for many years. He was involved in the Houston County 4-H show, President of the Houston County Youth Market Livestock Auction Committee, Houston County Extension Committee and judged many 4-H shows across the country. Dean was also a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and had enjoyed many hunting trips down south in his prime years.

In 2009, Dean was inducted into the Mn Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame, an honor he did not take lightly. He was never a person who readily accepted acknowledgment but was quick to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. Above all of his successes, family was his biggest pride, leaving us with memories that will forever be cherished. Dean was a man of few words but was known by those closest to him for “the look” and his mischievous grin. Dean made a tremendous impact on so many levels. He will be greatly missed as a loving husband, supportive father, doting grandfather, nurturing farmer and worthy mentor. Dean truly was a legend that worked hard, played hard, loved his family and was loved deeply by his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Houston County Youth Livestock Auction or the Mn Junior Barrow Show.

Survived by his wife, Connie of Caledonia; 4 children, Francis (Heather) Myhre of Caledonia Mn, Jennifer (Ricky Garris) Dudei of Melrose, Wi, Amanda Myhre of Caledonia, Mn and Caitlin (Shawn Eddy) Myhre of Peterson, Mn; nine grandchildren, Grace Myhre, Styrk Myhre, Liv Myhre, Alexandra Dudei, William Dudei, Jamison Eichacker, Tessie Speece, Aaron Speece and Bella Speece; sibling, Sidney Myhre of Caledonia Mn, sister-in-law, Harriet Myhre of Caledonia, Mn; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; son, Roger Myhre; sisters Florence Harris and Eunice Gondrezick Ackermann; brothers Ronald Myhre and Robert Myhre; sisters-in-law, Marion Myhre and Dorene Myhre; and nephew/close friend Eric Myhre.

Funeral services will be at 1 pm, Friday, April 12th, 2024 at Wilmington Lutheran Church, rural Caledonia. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A celebration of life will be held later that day at the Eitzen Community Center from 4PM until 7 PM.

Fredrickson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered on this website.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen-Tweeten Care Center for their wonderful care during his time there.