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Dean Clark Einwalter, former superintendent of Grand Portage National Monument (1987-98) and a tireless advocate for the preservation of public lands, died on December 10, 2021, of complications from Lewy Body Dementia, with his wife and daughters at his bedside. The family thanks the staff of North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais for their attentive and thoughtful care.
Dean grew up in Waterloo, Iowa, where he was an avid outdoorsman. He became a lifelong fisherman after a job in his teens as a fishing guide and fish cleaner at Jolly Fisherman Resort in northern Minnesota, and later in life enjoyed visiting his favorite “walleye hole” up the Gunflint Trail.
His love of the outdoors inspired him to complete a BA in Biology from University of Iowa, Cedar Falls, in 1967. After graduating, he accepted a coveted job with the National Park Service. His first assignment took him and his young family from Iowa to the Grand Canyon for training, one of many cross-country moves. His work with the park service offered variety and challenges, from learning the ropes as a ranger at Curecanti National Recreation Area in Colorado to coordinating an innovative public-private partnership with Anheuser Busch for the removal of litter in Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. As Superintendent of Grand Portage, he initiated the funding and design of the Heritage Center and park headquarters, completed after his retirement.
Retirement allowed Dean to launch Fox Lair Woodworking, where he turned hardwoods and recycled barnwood into finely crafted furniture. He also raised organic produce, supplying the Grand Marais Co-op with seasonal vegetables, raspberries, and heirloom apple varieties on Fox Lair Farm. He was a fixture at the farmer’s market in Grand Marais, where he loved chatting with friends and visitors.
Dean served on the board of the Cook County Historical Society for 29 years, taking a keen interest in the preservation and interpretation of local historic sites. He was pleased to see Bill Bally Blacksmith & Welding restored and open to the public.
Dean is survived by his wife Carol, and daughters Dawn Einwalter, of St. Paul and Julie (Tony) Sullins of Askov, Minnesota as well as four grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Gerald (Kieran) of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, and Dale (Chris) of Langley, Washington, and a sister, Lois (Jack) Bradford of Peninsula, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews.
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