W. Dean Frischknecht

Wilford Dean Frischknecht of Corvallis peacefully passed away in the presence of loving family on April 4, 2013, three days before his 93rd birthday. He was born on April 7, 1920, in Manti, Utah, the second of six children born to Wilford G. and Elda (Christensen) Frischknecht. Dean attended Manti schools and worked on the family ranch. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utah State University. On Feb. 20, 1941, he married Kathryn Sorensen; she was his wife for 72 years. They were both students at Utah State when they were married. Dean joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served on active duty in the Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged after the war ended, and he had a position waiting for him as sheep manager for Deseret Livestock Company. For eight years he oversaw a large operation of more than 40,000 sheep on 500,000 acres of rangeland in Northern Utah. In 1956, Dean accepted a position as a Livestock Specialist with the Extension Service at Oregon State University, and he, Kathryn and their four children relocated to Corvallis. Dean was an OSU professor, a sought-after speaker and livestock judge, and earned numerous awards in his 30 years with the Extension Service, particularly in livestock and cattle improvement as recognized by the Beef Improvement Federation and related organizations. In 1968 Dean was selected to go to Argentina for five months to work with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. He was named an OSU Professor Emeritus at his 1985 retirement. Following his retirement, Dean continued his service to the university, including helping bring honor to Oregonians with distinguished agriculture careers with the Diamond Pioneer Awards. In 2009 he was named recipient of the OSU Alumni Association Honorary Alumni Award, only the fourth non-OSU graduate to receive this honor. Dean also was a former president of the Kiwanis Club of Corvallis, and a trustee and board of directors member of the Pacific International Livestock Exposition. Dean wrote a book, “Old Deseret Livestock Company: A Stockman’s Memoir,” published in 2008, detailing his experience at the company during a time when it was one of the world’s largest sheep operations. Dean was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is remembered by work associates, friends and family for his leadership, dedication, compassion and daily conduct as a gentleman. He kept a private note in his desk: “Dean, remember, you are always a United States Marine.” His work ethic was matched by his dedication to his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss his storytelling and their frequent ice cream visits with Great-Grandpa Dean. Dean is survived by his wife, Kathryn; son Dean (Irina); daughter Diane (Greg) Merten; daughter-in-law Candace Hayes (Dale C.); nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald; and sisters-in-law Jean (Kay) and Jean (Clair). He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Neil, Kay and Clair; sister, Audrey Bonnell; son Dale C.; daughter Doris Frischknecht-Opager; and grandson Scott F. Merten. A private family memorial will be held. Burial was in the Manti City Cemetery.

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W. Dean Frischknecht

April 7, 1920 - April 4, 2013