Dean W. Kiess

February 21, 1940 - June 13, 2023

Dean Kiess, age 83, died quietly in his sleep, in Silverdale, WA on June 13, 2023. He was loved by many, as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, boss, resident and friend. Dean was always upbeat and thankful for a fortunate and wonderful life.

Dean was foremost a family man, and he liked nothing better than sitting and laughing around a table with family. He is mourned by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Andrea Coates, son Michael Kiess (Erika), daughter Jennifer Wheeler (John), son John Kiess (Sarah), three young grandsons, his younger brother, Richard C. Kiess (Judy), and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, older son of Clyde D. Kiess and Harriet C. Kiess. The first in his family to go to college, he graduated from Penn State in 1962 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a commission as Ensign in the United States Navy. Thirty years later, he retired with the rank of Captain, having spent his career operating and maintaining submarines and submarine weapons systems. His final Navy assignment was a record-long seven years as the Commanding Officer of Strategic Weapons Facility, Pacific (SWFPAC), at Bangor, Washington. Having come to love the Pacific Northwest and its mountains, Dean settled in Kitsap County, earned an MBA and until 2002 operated a general construction business with Carolyn to “earn golf and travel money.”

Dean earned several graduate degrees in engineering and won numerous military awards, including two Navy Commendation Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, and the Legion of Merit. Of his non-military professional awards, Dean was most proud to have received the Distinguished Service Award from Federally Employed Women, Inc. in 1989, as one of two leaders of all federal organizations who did the most to promote women and minorities in the organizations they headed.

Throughout his life, Dean was involved in church, civic, Scouting (he achieved Eagle), professional, and educational programs. A man of strong faith, Dean held numerous church leadership positions, especially as a member of St. Charles' Anglican Church. He served on the Board of Directors of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce; was President of the Winter Club; multi-term President and long-time Board Member of the Olympic Educational Service District; member of the Navy League and the Navy Submarine League.

Dean enjoyed building and fixing things, golf, skiing, climbing mountains, traveling, reading, and eating ice cream. He and Carolyn were worldwide travelers visiting dozens of countries during their many trips abroad; and they visited nearly every state in the USA. Dean always said that they were a great traveling team – Carolyn planned and made reservations while Dean carried the bags and paid the bills. Even after a debilitating stroke in 2010, Dean inspired others with his positivity and hard work at recovery.

Dean’s memorial service will be held at St. Charles Anglican Cathedral, 7625 Central Valley Rd., Bremerton, WA, on Friday June 30, at 3:00 pm. His ashes will be scattered atop Mt. Rainier, at sea, and at other favorite locations. Memorials may be donated to a charity of choice.