Dean TREICHEL Obituary

Dean Cary Treichel was born March 21, 1943, with his twin brother Duane to William and Ellen Treichel. He went to be with his family in heaven on December 27, 2023, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer, his fourth type of cancer. He was a fighter for sure. Dean lived his entire life in the Northwest, being born in Coeur D Alene, then moving to Spokane Valley where he and Duane graduated from West Valley High School. After high school Dean went to Spokane Community College and obtained a business degree. In 1966, he went to work for the State of Washington Department of Transportation in the Seattle office. In June of 1967, Dean came back to Spokane and worked his way up to supervisor of the accounting office of District 6, a position he held until he retired in 2000. During his career, Dean was praised for his dedication, loyalty, kindness, and quality of work. It was said that he earned the respect and admiration of people who worked with and for him.

Dean lived a life of faith in God, the Lutheran Church being a big driver in how he led his life. He volunteered for many organization boards while helping with Second Harvest Food Bank, Crosswalk, All Saints Food Pantry, and Tom's Turkey Drive. After retiring, he used his spare time to do the books for the church, and Retirees of Washington local chapter, and worked behind the scenes at Spokane City Credit Union.

Dean never married, though he was pursued quite heavily on numerous occasions, hence he had no children of his own, but he sure doted on his nieces and nephews, especially his nieces. Dean had an enormous circle of friends he enjoyed going to plays and shows with. Dean and his special friend, Mary Cayer would enjoy Spokane Indians Baseball games in the summer and Spokane Chiefs Hockey games in the winter. He was always on the go being involved in the Sons of Norway and a proud Swede.

Dean is survived by his brother, Del Treichel; nephews, Dan and Del Treichel, and Harlan Shellabarger; nieces, Ellen MacDonald, Debbie Longshore, Steena Naccarato, Deanna Yamane, Karen Morris, and Wendy Baum, along with cousins all over the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Shirley Braswell, and Ja Dee Priest; twin brother, Duane; and nephews Frank and John Franta, and Howard (Tiny) Shellabarger.

A memorial service will be held for Dean at All Saints Lutheran Church 314 S. Spruce Street, Spokane on January 17 at 3:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Our family would like to thank the following people for their care and compassion in the last leg of Dean's journey, Dr. Parviz of Cancer Care Northwest, Pastor Alan Eschenbacher of All Saints Lutheran Church, and Dana Condrey Hospice of Spokane.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral Home.