Donald Dean Prysi

Donald Dean Prysi, age 88, of Dundee, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Born May 1, 1937, in New Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Raymond and Bessie (Peacock) Prysi. Dean, as he was often known, graduated from New Philadelphia High School and was soon afterward employed by the Warner & Swasey Company (later Gradall) in New Philadelphia, from which he retired after 42 years of service. He also farmed much of his life. Dean married the former Naomi Deibel on March 23, 1957; the couple raised four children and shared 57 years of marriage prior to Naomi’s passing on September 25, 2015.

Dean very much enjoyed the hard work of farming. He was a long-time member of the Tuscarawas County Cattlemen’s Association and was a 4-H advisor for years. For over 25 years, Dean and Naomi operated the Cowntry Kitchen food trailer at area festivals and the Tuscarawas County Fair. Additionally, as a young man, Dean participated in stock car racing.

He is survived by his children, Larry (Deb) Prysi of Newcomerstown, Linda (Fred) Wenger of New Philadelphia, Loren (Mary) Prysi of Dundee, and Vern (Jessica) Prysi of Hebron; his grandchildren, Lawrence (Misty) Prysi, Leanne (Brent) Workman, Joel Wenger, Erika (Travis) Smith, Lannah and Laykin Prysi and Sydni Prysi; his seven great-grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, Naomi, Dean was preceded in death by his two sisters and two brothers.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Thursday, June 12, 5 - 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m., in the funeral home; Pastor LuAnn Youngman will officiate. Burial will be in New Philadelphia’s Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal, there will be a lunch in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover.

Contributions in Dean’s memory may be made to the Wayne Township Fire Department, 7899 Cherry Run Rd. N.W., Dundee, Ohio 44624.