Dean Donald Bachelor, age 72 of Prior Lake, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2021. He was surrounded by wife, sons, and daughter.
Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Faith Covenant Church, 12921 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville with Pastor John Foley presiding. Visitation will be held from 2:30 – 4:00 PM prior to services. Private interment at Spring Lake Cemetery, Prior Lake.
On May 29, 1949, Dean was born to parents Donald and Dolores, a few minutes prior to his twin sister, Donna. Dean and Donna, along with sisters Marcia and Barb, grew up on their family dairyfarm in Stockbridge, Michigan.
Dean grew up learning in a one-room schoolhouse through fifth grade, balancing school and responsibilities on the farm, which still stands today with a sign that reads “Bachelor Farm EST 1955”. One time he got kicked by a cow and got a black eye that he was not happy about at all! He spent his teen years working on his car in the workshop and driving the Allis-Chalmers tractors. After high school, Dean was drafted for the Vietnam war and was in line to get a buzz cut when he heard a sergeant call his name. As the only son of an ill dairy farmer, he was able to receive a farm deferment so he went back to the farm.
In 1966, while picking up his sister, Donna, from a local convenience store, this young man spotted a girl in town buying a soda. A mutual friend introduced them that day, he caught her eye with his brand new ‘57 Chevy. Soon after, they were dating and on December 13, 1969, Dean and Kathy were married. They married at Berean Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Dean and Kathy started their married life on the farm and two years later moved to Lansing, where Dean worked for a publishing company. They welcomed their firstborn son, Shannon, in 1970. They moved to Williamston shortly thereafter and son, Bryce, also joined them. Dean was then recruited by Personal Dynamics to lead training in ‘Adventures in Attitudes’, which led them to Prior Lake, Minnesota in 1975.
Dean and Kathy initially raised their kids in a family neighborhood on a small lake where the kids had many adventures. Along came only daughter and youngest son, Heather and Trent. Dean worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He spent his time building a homemade raft for the kids, a boulder wall for a volleyball pit, a deck off the back of the house, and finding ways to get the weeds out of the lake so his kids could waterski.
In the early 80’s, Dean began Advanced Learning, which grew into Business Consultants, which grew into Platinum Group. Dean founded Platinum Group almost 40 years ago to serve businesses in need of turnaround. The firm grew, expanded, and today consists of 20 professionals helping business leaders facing a wide variety of challenges. Together, the firm has served hundreds of companies, while creating and saving jobs for thousands in Minnesota and around the world.
In 1991, Dean and Kathy and the kids moved to their quiet bay on Prior Lake. This gave the opportunity for many boat rides, early morning waterskiing, and a home for people to gather. Dean brought his love of boating from Michigan and the family always had a boat on lakes or rivers in Minnesota. Summers were beautiful, and it was with some friends and community from church they were also able to escape the cold winters and head down to Treasure Cay, Bahamas.
For 25 years, Treasure Cay became a second home. The family enjoyed boating to the out-islands for grouper and conch fritters, diving, snorkeling, and being in the water. Dad especially loved dipping his head under the salt water to clear his sinuses! He always gave a loud “Hoooah!” whenever his boat really got going!
One of Dean’s greatest joys was his 12 grandchildren. He loved them each well: long phonecalls discussing anything from theology to politics, one-on-one dates to Caribou Coffee, attending their events, playing the piano with them or harmonica for them, or just sitting the little ones on his lap. “Grandpa B” will always be remembered for his long, drawn-out stories and his very long “B-b-b-Bible joke!”
Dean was known as a family man of strong faith, values, and character. He loved music, his boats and motorcycle, the American flag, and bald eagles. He played the piano, harmonica, and recently was learning to play the cello. He is respected by many in the community and loved dearly by his family and friends.
Our Lord gently received Dean to be with Him on Tuesday night, September 21. Dean passed away peacefully alongside Kathy and his children. As he passed, he was surrounded by prayers and worship music. We are comforted to know he was greeted in Heaven and is at home with his Lord.
Dean will always be remembered and missed by the love of his life, Kathy; children: Shannon (Katie) and grandchildren Sam, Anna, and Grace; Bryce and grandchildren Drake and Morgan; Heather (Steve) and grandchildren Jakob, Linnea, Torsten, Elsa, and Lars; and Trent (Carrie) and grandchildren Jola and Brynn; his partners at Platinum Group and business friends, and many other loving relatives and friends.
Dean was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Donald and Dolores Bachelor; and brother in law, Tom Sloan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to non-profit organizations in Dean’s name.
New Creations Mentorship Program – http://www.newcreations.org
Common Ground (Memo: Bachelor Memorial)
175 Jackson Avenue N. – Suite 280; Hopkins, MN 55343
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Hani and Oded Galili
Our heart is with you, with the family, and the extended family.
We know Dean and his love to family and life, and his kind heart and willing to help.
We will miss him a lot.
May you never know sorrow again
Bill Lundeen
I met Dean at the wedding of his son, Shannon to our lifelong friend Katie Laiming. I was impressed by his ability to fix up an older Mercedes for the newlyweds to take with them as they began their new lives together. And I was then and thereafter so impressed with Dean’s love for Jesus.
Ron Holm
Kathy and family, I want to extend and add my sympathies to you all at Dean’s passing. I knew Dean as the presiding officer at the Platinum Group. I provided sales training for the company and their clients. Coincidentally, Dean went through our track selling training (along with Steve Coleman) decades ago and remained an advocate.
Dean was, in a word, terrific. He was humble, cherished his rural farming roots, and always retained his common-man touch. He had vast experience that could be applied in many corporate and family scenarios. He was a treasured mentor and coach for many of us. I love Dean and will miss him.
Jim snd Diane Sentyrz
Our hearts ache at your loss. We loved taking care of your family boats , long talks with Dean and employing Heather.
Diane Knoff Bartram
Uncle dean we will
Always share the love of music .. last summer on the boat just tooling along w the warm sun on all
Of our faces .. thanks for the memories.. I could see u with your captains hat resting on ur head ..just gliding on top the water w ur bride in her co captains chair .. we were not ready for you to leave us so soon .. god has found himself a mighty fine captain ! You will
Be missed
Galen Vetter
Apparently, there are a few issues in Heaven, as God has called one of His best to perform a few turnarounds. Dean was caring, compassionate, loyal, smart, hardworking, always calm, and unwaveringly honest. It has been one of my fortunate and undeserved privileges to have shared many life experiences and adventures with Dean. There is a hole in my heart, but I will a remember Dean Bachelor only with a smile, because I know that is how he would want to be remembered.
Dawn White-Bright
Uncle Dean always greeted me with a big hug and took the time to sit and talk about what was going on in my life. He was interested in knowing about me. He taught me how to water ski and bribed me to keep trying until I got up on two skis. He also taught me how to milk a cow. I enjoyed jet skiing and boating with him and Aunt Kathy. He fought a good fight with this battle and now he can rest in the presence of our Heavenly Father. My heart is with you Aunt Kathy and with my cousins. I love you all! Love, Dawn
Dar and Ed Belanger
Our deepest sympathy to all the Bachelor family.
Tom n Peggy Chukel
Sincerest condolences,
Tom & Peggy Chukel
John Skelly
Sorry to hear this sad news. Blessings and peace to all the Bachelors.
Selisha Thompson
My heartfelt condolences to Kathy , children and grandchildren. Dean was an awesome family man, and it showed. I am sadden by his passing and pray God’s blessing on you during this time of breavement and always.
Mary Rice
Kathy, was so sorry to hear this sad news…please know I am thinking of you.
Mary
PAULA V MORLEY
My deepest sympathies go out to you Kathy and your family. May God give you the peace to ease the pain off this great loss.
Scott Buckman
I learned quite a bit from Dean. My condolences to his family.
Nanci Stone
My heart is heavy with the news of Dean’s passing. May God wrap-his arms around you Kathy, and Family, and get you through this saddest of times…Much love, Nanci
Nicoleen Meyer
Mine is one of those saved jobs here in Minnesota. I am grateful to Dean for his leadership and wisdom. Reading this obituary – I can see that I was truly blessed to know him, even a little. God’s peace to those who mourn his loss. Be comforted in knowing that Dean is the winner here!
Nicoleen Meyer, Accurate Home Care
Elisabeth Bacque
So sorry to hear of your loss Kathy. I remember our converstions in Treasure Cay and your red kayak on the beach. Thinking of you. Elisabeth Bacque
Dave and Cheryl Ten Hoor
We enjoyed good times in the Bahamas with your family. May our God of peace and comfort surround you with His incomparable love as you grieve.
With sympathy and prayers,
Stevenson Hwang
In 2018, I suddenly visit to Dean’s office for asking to proceed an important project, and after that, we’ve been challenging and proceeding many of projects. He is my sincere friend, colleague and a teacher for business and life as well. I can hardly believe he’s dead. Even though there are nothing comforts Dean’s family, I would like to express my deepest condolence, and pray for the repose of Dean’s soul.
Herb & Louise Froemming
Dear Kathy and Family,
Our condolences on the death of my friend and co-worker of many years ago. I have many fond memories of Dean and the times we spent working together with turnaround clients. First and foremost, he was a man of integrity.
Bobby Burton
Kathy, So sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. I still remember all those good times we had when we were younger. Dean will be missed greatly. I send my condolences. Bobby Burton
Donna Fuglsang
We want to extend our sympathy to your family.
My son Ron is a friend of Brice’s and I know he will help console him.
We are keeping you in our prayers,
Dave and Donna Fuglsang and Ron Tiedt
Jerry Stuard
Dear Kathy ,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family these past weeks. We were so saddened when we received your call Wednesday morning also shocked as we were expecting and hoping for a better outcome. We really enjoyed your time here,and we were looking forward to spending more time with you and Dean. We wish we could be with you now. We will be remembering Dean with a donation to Common Ground. We are sending our love and prayers to you and all the family.
Clarence and Madge Stuard’s Children.
Pamela Martinson
We remember Dean with fondness and send Kathy and family our prayers for comfort in this time of loss.
michele bailey
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. My parents always spoke of him with such fondness. I know he will be greatly missed. My family is thinking of you during this extremely tragic time.
New Creations
New Creations is deeply saddened of the passing of Dean. We can’t express enough of how much we appreciate everything Dean helped us with.Dean made New Creations happen ! Dean was such a kind , loving and giving Man. He will be missed by so many people who’s lives he touched in many different ways.We know Dean is with Jesus in Heaven. We look forward to be united again someday. Until then we will miss him.
David Scherf
Dean was always such a great guy. You could always count on him for a warm smile and an upbeat greeting. His practical, do-able solutions to most problems were always so helpful. He lived his faith in quiet but meaningful ways.
Johan Gjenvick
Deepest condolences to the family and friends at Platinum. I met Dean through Bill English. I will always think fondly of Dean. I got to know him through sending some potential deals to Platinum. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to partner and spend some time with Dean. He was always looking to make connections. I recall our last visit and he shared about how much he had been enjoying time with his grandchildren. Prayers for peace and comfort to your family.
Kate and Mark Moran
Sending our heartfelt sympathy and love to Kathy and her family. May God comfort you during this sad time.
Tony Deach
Dearest Bachelor family….
My deepest and most sincere sympathies to each of you. I have such fond memories of all of you – and the generous, strong quiet spirit and confidence of Dean. I take full peace and confidence in the power of the risen Christ that we will see him again – well and whole. Peace and love….
Tony (Tammy) Deach
Lisa and Darin Bohn
Darin and I are so sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. Our sympathy to all of you. May you keep your memories close to your heart. We remember Dean fondly from our time in Treasure Cay. I smile as I think about him talking about learning to play the harmonica in his car while stuck in traffic. We are honored to have shared a very small piece of life together. May you find peace in the days ahead.
Paul Cronin
Dean was a mentor, coach and friend. He helped me and others give and become their best. He did this by being present in all interactions and asking many questions which required one to stop and truly think before responding and acting. I am truly grateful for the opportunity he provided me to become a Platinum Group partner. He always had your back and trusted in your judgement. One on the greatest learnings (I had) from Dean’s wisdom and encouragement came on my first engagement with Platinum. I told him that I thought I was making mistakes. He responded, “Paul, if you are not making mistakes, you are not making enough decisions fast enough.” With a revitalized sense of confidence and support from a man I deeply trust and admire, I learned a great life lesson of momentum over perfection and fail forward fast.
Dean never hesitated to ask about my wife and children, especially when he had heard that they were experiencing challenging things.
Dean’s is departure is much too soon. He is deeply missed.
You have my sincere condolences.
Skip Thaler
All our sympathies to Kathy and the Bachelor family. Dean will be sorely missed by Jill, myself and others associated with him.
Dean was instrumental in the negotiations of selling my 33% ownership in Condura Marketing (Tires Plus). His calm demeanor, and unbiased approach, made for a fair and equitable transaction. I am indebted to him for a lifetime.
Dean was friend, a business mentor, and a great human being. Our condolences to the Bachelor family.
Jenna Jech
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family Trent, Carrie, Jola and Brynn.
Darrell Tamosuinas
Kathy and Bachelor Family, I am very sorry for your loss and the business community’s loss. Dean was an extremely credible professional and one of the most peaceful businessmen I have known in the turnaround world and in business in general. I’m still shocked by this news. Please accept my condolences.
Gary Sharland
So sorry. Condolences to the family. Many memories of our teen years and later on when we both lived in Williamstown.
Lynette Outwater
Kathy, I was Marcia’s best friend from early elementary until after we graduated high school. I remember coming to a wedding shower for you in the Bachelor home basement. Dean was always someone who acknowledged Marcia’s friends and made us giggle and feel like celebrities! His picture is totally Dean, and his Dad, who I loved like my own. May God lift you all up at this time. He will be remembered as a really “good guy” by a young crush from way back! I admired your strength then, and I know it will serve you well now. Prayers for all of your family. Lynette Grosshans Outwater
Virginia Laiming
I’m so very sorry for your loss. To the entire Bachelor family wishing you your fond memories and peaceful healing in the days to come.
Virginia Laiming
I’m so very sorry for your loss. To the entire Bachelor family wishing you your fond memories and peaceful healing in the days to come.