Nosek, Dean.  Born 10/15/47.  Died 1/9/23.  Rev. Dean “The Dodgy Vicar� Nosek (75) drew his last breath at home on Monday, January 9th. For the good and for the bad, for the marvelous and for the questionable, the world is much better (but also slightly more complicated) for having had Dean in it. He truly will be missed.

Dean died peacefully, held in a circle of care by four of his estranged children (Seráh [Nosek] Blain, Jerusha Nosek, Anah Nosek, and Michael Nosek) who arrived in time to forgive him — as well as one de-estranged son (Jon Nosek) who had been forgiving him for many years. Two other sons (Jeremiah Nosek and Josiah Nosek), of whom Dean was very proud but to whom he never uttered those words, visited the previous week. And so Dean died at peace after seeing the faces of those he loved most. Dean was preceded in death by his doting daughter Alethia Nosek, who had a big heart full of love for everyone, dodgy or not. Despite his many failings as a father, Dean was deeply grateful for the greatest accomplishment of his life: his eight beloved children split between two somewhat less beloved wives. Out of respect for his children’s complicated feelings about his departure and their need for comic relief, Dean died with a smile to the Dawes song, “When My Time Comes.�

Born to school teachers Wallace Nosek and Mabel (Dryden) Nosek on October 15, 1947 in Duluth, MN, Dean carried on his parents’ love of grammar by generously explaining the difference between “lay� and “lie� to several millennial nurses in his final days. The youngest of three, in his happy childhood years Dean was goaded into many an ill-conceived stunt by his brother (Wallace) Joe Nosek, such as: jumping off the bunk bed and breaking his arm; also: tightrope walking the clothesline and ripping off a good bit of skin. His sister Darlene (Nosek) Bushey became a nurse.

Dean was a profoundly intelligent man with a near-photographic memory when it came to the written word, but when his children uncovered his Denfeld High School report card, they discovered that he was probably distracted by young women and table tennis because he consistently scored C’s and D’s. Fortunately, he was accepted to the University of Minnesota, Duluth on a swimming scholarship — and he and longtime friend Dan Miller won the State Table Tennis Championship in 1965.

Dean’s deep intellectual curiosity about philosophy, science, and the biggest questions in life led him to pursue the Christian ministry. He earned a Master’s of Divinity from Boston Seminary and went on to become an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, where he spent the next 50 years bringing compassion, inspiration, and a love of biblical study to his congregants. He also brought a lot of books. Oh, how Dean loved books. In fact, the most constant truth to the man throughout his life was that he loved books. Getting books, giving books. Just books. Didn't matter the subject — as long as it was a book, it was golden. He spent his children’s education funds on his library, which is why half of them have GEDs and the rest have crippling student loan debt. Dean’s endless shelves of books include such favorites as “How to Be Less Stupid About Race� and “The Arabs.�

Dean described himself as theologically conservative and socially liberal, viewing his conservative interpretations of the Christian Bible as a foundation for progressive values. While he was emotionally distant from half of his children and physically distant from the other half, he did share with them a passion for the justice, curiosity, compassion, and knowledge that sprang from his faith. These shared passions led several of his children to become really wonderful atheists. Because of these positive contributions (and some of the negative), his older children have achieved great happiness with life partners and children as well as meaningful and rewarding work. His youngest sons are just starting out but have incredible potential; they are voted by the other siblings as most likely to succeed.

Dean was charismatic, smart, and funny. He was impressively athletic for a vicar and was a skilled tennis coach; his students continue to express gratitude for his talent and encouragement. He was a gentle and stirring preacher who inspired many church folks to live objectively better lives. He was a gifted musician who played classical guitar, led hymns in church, and passed the joy of music along to his kids. His list of beautiful qualities is long, but his obituary was, unfortunately, left to his children, who have several valid complaints.

Dean is survived by seven children, eight grandchildren, his brother and sister, many dear friends, appreciative congregants, and a pissed-off but fond ex-wife. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, and another ex-wife who was over him but for whom he was still pretty nostalgic.

Dean was cremated by Mullare-Murphy Funeral Home in Trinidad, CO, and will be buried in Price, UT. A memorial service will also be held in the Twin Cities, MN at a later date and some of his ashes will be sprinkled into the Gulf of Mexico where his daughter Alethia’s ashes also rest. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. Gifts in Dean's memory can be made to The Dean Nosek Big Racket Foundation (givebutter.com/bigracket), facilitating the athletic aspirations and musical passions of youth healing from broken families.

From all your kids, Dad: we miss you, love you, resent you, and will forever be grateful that you gave us each other. Rest easy, you did well.  
Posted By: Administrator - 01-13-2023
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