Dean Keith Reidt

Dean Keith Reidt, age 75, passed away at his lake home in Crosslake, MN, on May 7, 2025.

Dean was born in Mondovi, WI, on July 6, 1949, and grew up in Alma, WI. He spent much of his early years hunting in Buffalo County with his dad, brothers, cousin, and nephews. He played football for Alma High School and graduated in 1967, then went on to earn his associate degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire, WI. Dean served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam before marrying Judy Lohmann of Zumbrota, MN, in 1971.

He spent the majority of his career as an engineer at 3M, where he held 10 patents and retired as a Senior Division Engineer in 2013. One of his proudest accomplishments was inventing the trail camera and founding a successful business, TrailTimer. His passion for problem-solving and tracking deer patterns in 1984 led to the creation of many innovative versions of TrailTimer over more than two decades.

Dean is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy; sisters JoAnn Egge and Beverly Finner; two children Kristi Granacher and Erik (Lindsay) Reidt; and four grandchildren Jacob Reidt, and Isa, Kate, and Luca Granacher. Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Elroy Sr. and Orabelle; brothers LeRoy, Elroy Jr., and infant brother Roger; and nephews Michael Reidt and Keith Ede.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, MN.

A service will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at United Redeemer Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, MN, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Zumbrota Cemetery with military honors, with lunch to follow at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel.