Dean Flage

Sergeant First Class Dean Flage, 72, died peacefully at Monument Health Hospice House in Rapid City, SD May 28, 2020 after a short illness. Due to current restrictions regarding COVID-19, October 30 interment at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD will be limited to immediate family.

A veteran of the Vietnam War and multiple deployments, he proudly served his country in both the Navy and Army National Guard throughout his 36-year military career.

SFC Flage was born November 1, 1947 in Waukon to Ralph and Stella (Snitker) Flage. In 1966, he joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Pomfret SS-391 during the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, he attended SDSU and met his future wife, Trudy.

SFC Flage was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving father. He married Trudy (Peter) Flage in 1975 in Huron, SD. They moved to the Black Hills and he joined the South Dakota Army National Guard. In 1983 he was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for Valor. After retiring from military service in 2002, they enjoyed many travels and adventures, especially enjoying time with their grandchild, Avery.

He is survived by his wife, Trudy; his daughter, Lisa, of Sioux Falls, SD; his son, Scott (Amanda), of Spokane, WA; his grandchild, Avery; his brother, Gary (Marilyn) Flage of San Angelo, TX; and his step-brother, Loren (Becky) Miller of Lansing. He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Flage; his mother, Stella (Snitker); and his step-mother, Edna (Miller).