Dean Siegenthaler, age 54, of Mineral Point, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Dean was born on May 23, 1972, in Monroe to Keith and Marilyn (Smith) Siegenthaler. He joined three older brothers — Gary, Greg (Kath), and Carl (Debbie) — and was later joined by his youngest brother, Eric. He grew up on the family farm in Fayette, where his lifelong passion for agriculture first took root.
Dean graduated from Darlington High School in 1990 and went on to earn a degree in Agronomy from Southwest Technical College. In 1995, he met the love of his life, Jolena Ceniti, and the two were married on a snowy November 30, 1996. Together they raised two children who were his greatest pride and joy: Ross (Katie) of Madison and Madelyn (Ethan) of Josephine, Texas. Dean was blessed to witness both of their weddings just a few months ago.
Although Dean’s life was cut far too short, the impact he made is impossible to capture fully in words. Dean was often called a dreamer — but he was never just a dreamer. He was a doer. He set goals, achieved them, and then raised the bar again.
Dean began his career at Greg’s Feed and Seed before co‑founding Cropmax with Drew and Kay Spiedal. Together they built it into a thriving business that was later purchased by Nutrien. After the sale, Dean turned his focus to expanding his own farming operation, planting 2,500 acres of corn and soybeans this year.
But Dean was never one to slow down. Several years ago, he helped Zack (Reece Doescher) Weber launch a custom application business. Dean loved Zack like a son and found deep fulfillment in mentoring young men and women in agriculture. Weber Ag continued to grow, and Dean was instrumental in guiding its expansion.
Most recently, Dean partnered with his friend Andrew (Kate) Abbe to start several farmer‑focused companies: AXS Distribution, Axis Seed of Wisconsin, and Agrowline. These businesses were built on a shared belief that agriculture should serve the farmer — not the corporation — a principle Dean, Andy, and Zack held close.
Dean also fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning his pilot’s license, becoming known on social media as the “Flying Farmer.” Flying allowed him and Jolena to travel more, especially to visit Madelyn in Texas. He also gained a loyal following with his “Not the Hot Tub” videos, where he shared farming tips, planting advice, and crop‑care insights. The family is deeply grateful to the friends, customers, and supporters who encouraged him and his partners along the way.
Dean is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jolena; his children Ross (Katie) and Madelyn (Ethan); his mother Marilyn; his brothers Gary, Greg (Kath), Carl (Debbie), and Eric; his father‑in‑law Frank Ceniti; his sister‑ and brother‑in‑law Krista and Josh Hinson; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
He is also survived by his “extra sons” Zack (Reece Doescher) Weber and Shaun Spurley; his “second family” John, Jen, Tori, and Brady Palzkill; and countless friends who held a special place in his heart. A special shout‑out goes to the coffee club, and of course to his beloved dogs, Ella and Duke.
Dean was preceded in death by his father Keith, his grandparents, his mother‑in‑law Mary Jo Ceniti, and several aunts and uncles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point. Burial will be held in St. Paul’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Wednesday at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Mineral Point Police Department, Iowa County Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and the emergency staff at Upland Hills. A special thank‑you goes to Josh Garvey for his kindness during this time of profound grief.
Gorgen Funeral Home
www.gorgenfh.com