Dean William

Oatman

Dean William Oatman Jr., born May 18, 1971, passed away on November 9, 2026. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose larger-than-life personality and unforgettable spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Dean was the son of Dean Oatman Sr. and the late Rebecca Goch. He was the beloved husband of Tammy Klein ( And Family ) and a proud father to Melody Lewis, BreAnne Koc, and Brent Oatman. He was a loving brother to Tina Terpevich and a cherished grandfather to Lilly, Sophie, Bellamy, Max, Bella, Zoey, and Baby Dean, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends, Mike and Derek, along with many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. At home, Dean was also a devoted dog dad to Zoie and Tripp, who were never far from his side.

Those who knew Dean would describe him as amazing, a legend, and truly one of a kind. He was unique, sometimes a little stubborn, and always full of life. He was often described as Superman, and for good reason. Even following his cancer diagnosis, Dean never stopped moving, never gave up, and continued to live life on his own terms. His determination, strength, and fighting spirit were a testament to the man he was.

Dean had a passion for working with his hands, especially welding and spending time working on his beloved 1972 Nova. He was a proud Michigan sports fan and loved following his favorite teams. His love for soccer ran deep, whether he was coaching, playing, or simply watching the game. He also loved to travel, whether near or far, always finding enjoyment in the journey and the experiences along the way.

Dean lived life his own way, with a personality that could never be duplicated and a spirit that could never be forgotten. He was a man who kept moving forward, faced challenges head-on, and made his mark on the lives of those around him. Though his time here has come to an end, his legacy will live on through the family and friends who loved him, the memories they shared, and the stories that will continue to be told.

Dean will forever be remembered as their Superman, a true legend, and an irreplaceable part of so many lives. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.