Wilford Dean Frischknecht

W. Dean Frischknecht

Corvallis, Oregon

Wilford Dean Frischknecht of Corvallis, Oregon passed away peacefully in the presence of loving family on April 4, 2013, three days before his 93 ^rd birthday. He was born in Manti on April 7, 1920, 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. He married Kathryn Sorensen, his wife of 72 years. They were both students at Utah State when they were married on February 20, 1941 in Smithfield. The marriage was later solemnized in the Manti Temple.

Dean joined the United States Marine Corps and served on active duty in the Pacific during WWII. 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 range land in Northern Utah.

In 1956 Dean accepted a position with the extension service as a Livestock Specialist at Oregon State University, and Dean, Kathryn and their four children relocated to Corvallis, Oregon. Dean was an OSU professor, a sought-after speaker and livestock judge, and he 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 OSU Professor Emeritus at his 1985 retirement.

Following his retirement, Dean continued his service to the university, including helping to 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 individual who is not an OSU graduate to receive this honor. Dean also was a former president of Kiwanis Club of Corvallis and trustee and board of directors member of the Pacific International Livestock Exposition.

Dean authored a book "Old Deseret Livestock Company – a Stockman’s Memoir" published in 2008 detailing his experience at Deseret Livestock 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 story-telling and their frequent ice cream visits with Great-Grandpa Dean.

Dean is survived by his wife, Kathryn; son, Dean (Irina); daughter, Diane (Greg) Merten; nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; also brother Donald; sisters-in-law: Jean (Kay) and Jean (Clair).

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Dale C.; daughter, Doris Frischknecht-Opager; grandson Scott F. Merten; brothers, Neil, Kay and Clair; sister Audrey Bonnell.

Burial will be at Manti City Cemetery, Saturday April 13 ^th at 3:30 p.m. with miltiary rites by the Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.