Dean E. Ringler, 64, of Fredonia unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Dean was born in the City of Tonawanda on May 18, 1960, the son of Edward and Mary Lou (Kowalik) Ringler. He graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1978 and graduated from Fredonia State in 1982 with a Bachelor's degree in business administration. Dean was a member of the Fredonia State basketball team.
Dean was a longtime member of Shorewood Country Club, where he enjoyed all the club had to offer. He was a 36-year member of Shorewood's Quadrangular Team and was known for his infamous end of season Par 3 tournament. Dean thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the social clubs of Dunkirk and Fredonia, where he enjoyed a game of shuffleboard, cribbage and just simply sharing stories with friends.
Dean worked for over 30 years for Koch's Brewing Company, Genesee Brewing Company, and MillerCoors, beginning his career working as a bartender at the Vineyard. He was fondly known around town as "the beer man."
Dean had a personality bigger than life. He lit up every room he walked into and brought so much joy, laughter and love to everyone in his presence. A man of many jokes, countless recipes, stories from all aspects of life and had the most generous and caring heart.
Dean spent his retirement taking great pride in serving as the President of the Fourth Ward Falcons Club and the Lakeshore Rod and Gun Club. One of his greatest passions was yard work and spending time making his yard look pristine, tending to gardens and enjoying his newfound relaxation of taking care of his "farm" where he would ride around on his tractor, listening to polkas and making sure the grass looked like a fairway. Out of all of the activities and organizations Dean was involved in, his number one priority and his biggest passion was his family. There is nothing he loved more than spending time with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He absolutely adored every minute he spent with his grandsons, Jack and Brooks. From riding the golf carts, practicing their swings, mowing the lawn together, reading books, making homemade pancakes, singing and dancing to polkas, bath time with bubbles and countless other activities, nothing put a bigger smile on his face quite like "his little guys."
Dean is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary Lou Ringler; in-laws, Michael and Virginia Valvo; and nephews, Mark and Edward Ringler. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Nancy; his adored children, Michael (Caitlin) and Jenny; precious grandsons, Jack and Brooks; siblings, Dale (Mary), Dennis (Terri), Denise (Todd) and Dawn; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was loved by all and his vibrant and cheerful personality will be deeply missed by everyone.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Thursday, May 8 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue in Fredonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Avenue in Dunkirk (please assemble at the church).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Holy Trinity Cemetery.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler. Online condolences may be made at www.larsontimkofuneralhome.com.
