Dean L. Monkelien - Obituary

ean Monkelien, 74, of Tracy’s Landing, MD, passed away Jan. 26, 2022, in Annapolis, MD, with members of his family by his side. Born Feb. 8, 1947, in Fort Dodge, IA, he was the son of the late Robert and Thelma Monkelien. Dean served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant before receiving an honorable discharge in 1970 and served in the reserves until 1975. He later earned a master’s degree from American University. Dean was the proud owner of Christopher’s Fine Foods, which served the Deale/Churchton community for over 15 years. When he wasn’t working as a real estate developer, he enjoyed attending gun shows and shooting for sport, trips to the beach and watching football, particularly the Washington Football Team, which he continued to refer to as the Redskins. Dean is survived by his wife of 40 years, Melissa Monkelien of Tracy’s Landing; and four children, Kelly Hughes of Monument, CO; Curtis Monkelien of Brooklyn Park, MD; Jason Monkelien of Sterling, VA; and Michael Monkelien of Gordonsville, VA. He also will be remembered by his four grandchildren, Landon and Ryder Monkelien, and Rachael and Michaela Hughes; and two siblings, Dave Monkelien of Sioux Falls, SD, and Janet Wing of McLean, VA. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Gary Monkelien. Friends are invited to celebrate Dean’s life at the KalasFuneral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on February 4 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 220 Owensville Rd., West River, MD on Saturday, February 5 at 11 am with a reception to follow at Herrington Harbour South at approximately 1 pm. “For the safety of other persons attending, the Diocese of Maryland requests that you please wear your mask properly at all times when attending an indoor service. If you are experiencing any symptoms of any viral or bacterial infection of any kind, please attend by Zoom only.” To view the service through Zoom, please click HERE In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James Parish Food Pantry or St. Jude’s research hospital.