Dean Rockstad of Hales Corners, WI died peacefully on January 21, 2021, from Parkinson's disease at the age of 86. Dean was born and raised in Madison, WI and completed an apprenticeship in printing for Madison Newspapers, Inc. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea from 1955-1957 where he monitored a printing plant as an advisor and later served as an office manager. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He counted himself as fortunate that an officer on the troop ship noticed his background and pulled him from his original assignment as a combat engineer in the Korean DMZ. Dean worked for 35 years for the Milwaukee Journal as a printer and a computer programmer. Dean loved to travel and explored the scenic roads, parks, and trails of Wisconsin along with many national parks and numerous international destinations. He visited every continent except for Antarctica. He was an avid hiker and gardener. His many volunteer activities included the Milwaukee County Museum (docent and docent trainer), Milwaukee Public Zoo, Sunset Playhouse, Metro Audubon Society, and the Wehr Nature Center. Dean is survived by his wife of 62 years Mary (nee Meier); his daughters Beth (Don) Falkos and Karen (Brian) Rupnick; grandchildren Andrea (Phil) Treat, Sara Rupnick, and Joshua Falkos; and sister-in-law Peg Meier. Dean was a man of faith and a founding member of St. Stephen the Martyr Lutheran church in Greendale, WI. Dean and Mary were residents of Greendale, WI for 57 years. The family thanks the staff members of Ruth Hospice House for their compassionate care. A private prayer service was held and internment will be at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Donations in honor of Dean's life may be directed to: Friends of Wehr Nature Center, 9701 West College Ave, Franklin, WI 53132 or online by clicking here