Dexter R. Tyrrell
May 21, 1932 ~ December 3, 2018
Age 86 of North Branch, formerly of Forest Lake. Passed away on December 3, 2018.
Dexter was born on May 21, 1932. He grew up in the small town of Backus, MN and moved to Lauderdale in his teens. It was there that he met his beautiful wife, Gloria. They married in 1953 and two years later had their son, Wayne.
Dexter drove a truck for Great Plains Gas for many years. But his passion was with farming and working outdoors. He bought his farm in North Branch in 1975 where he spent the rest of his life doing what he loved.
Ever the avid dreamer, he would talk extensively about plans for the farm including growing Jerusalem artichokes or algae for energy. He also loved country music and dancing. He and Gloria spent much of their time square-dancing with their friends and later country dancing at the Bel-Ray Ball with their grandchildren.
Dexter had a presence that could fill any room. He was strong-willed and could be stubborn at times but he also had a kind heart. He deeply loved his family and was so proud to be a great-grandfather.
Preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, his parents, Russell & Margaret; siblings, Jim, Galen, Dawn Olmschenk, Janet Baumann. Survived by son, Wayne (Mary); grandchildren, Melissa (Chris) Dupre, Katie (Dan) Fitch; great grandchildren, Christopher & Matthew Dupre, Ellie Fitch; sister, Louise Tyrrell (Rita); nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
A Celebration of Dexter’s life 7 PM Monday December 10th with visitation beginning at 4 PM at Roberts Family Life Celebration Home, 555 SW Centennial Drive, Forest Lake. Military Honors will precede the service just prior to 7 PM.
I will always remember helping Dexter butcher chickens or running new fences lines for his cows. Dexter had a great respect and love for farming. Dexter will be missed and always loved. Denny Baumann
Well so many first things happened for me with Uncle Dexter at his farm. 1) First time being given a hammer, nail and board, to stay busy and out of Uncle Dexs way 2) First time driving a tractor. 3) First time using a chain saw. 4) First time using a 2 handle post hole digger and realizing how much pain a young boy’s knuckles can endure to not look wimpy in front of his uncle. 5) First time being attacked by black ants when cutting fire wood. 6) First time I really nailed a board to something that really served a purpose (fixing barn pen) 7) First time I felt part of the “Mans Club” with my Dad and uncles (clearing brush with Uncle Dexter, Uncle Gaylon, Uncle Joe, Ron,Wayne and Me) 8) First time realizing there is a difference in chicken scratch and chicken feed (chickens really got heavy fast after I fed them) 9) First time realizing I didn’t want to farm (butchered a 100 chickens) 10) First time I realized farming really sucks profit wise (butchered a 100 skinny chickens that probably would make up 1 chicken nugget) Not a profit lifestyle… 11) First time I realized how important it is to work hard to be a man. I’m sure you all have a special memory or two of special times with Uncle (STRONG Man) Dexter Thank you for being you ! Little Stevie
We will miss our Uncle Dexter, he was a kind and gentle hearted man. I have many fond memories of being up at the farm, there was always something interesting going on and loved to run around looking at the chickens and cows.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Dexter’s military service to our nation.