Wise River, Montana, Mourns Former Beaverhead County High School Football Standout Dean Haven Stanchfield,82, Survived by Wife Eddie Lou and Children
AthleteSuruchiDecember 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 26, 2026
The Wise River, Montana, community is mourning the demise of resident and former athlete, Dean Haven Stachfield.
Dean Haven Stanchfield passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2026, at his home in Wise River, Montana, after a brief time in hospice. He was 85.
Born on November 26, 1940, Dean Stanchfield was a cherished member of the Montana sports community and touched the lives of many with his contagious smile.
Growing up on the family ranch in Wise River, Dean graduated from Beaverhead County High School, where he excelled in football and led his varsity team in several victories.
Additionally, Dean Stachfield was in the marching band, winning the hearts of many.
Although Dean didn’t pursue his career in sports, he raised cattle his entire life, until his health started deteriorating.
He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and loved the time spent on horseback up in the hills gathering cattle.
Dean had great interest in mining and geology as well as local history and loved reading.
Furthermore, Dean Stachfield was serving as the board member of the Beaverhead County Weed Board, and helped establish the annual Weed Whackers Ball, as well as spending many hours with a spray-wand in hand.
Dean also served on the Church of the Bighole Session and Pastor Seeking Committees, and was a cast member of the Crazy Coyote Players.
Dean Stachfield is Survived By His Wife, Eddie Lou, Children and The Entire Family
Dean Stachfield was not just an amazing athlete but also a devoted husband to his longtime wife, Eddie Lou Dupuis.
Late Stachfield and his wife, Eddie, were high school sweethearts and were happily married for 64 years, raising their children to be successful in their respective fields.
In addition to Eddie, Dean Stachfield is survived by their three children, Justin and his wife Connie Stachfield, Matthew and his wife Michele Stanchfield, and his daughter Mikal Reese.
He also leaves behind his five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Caleb Reese, Tyson Reese, Shealan Lange, Colter Dean Stanchfield, Rachel Stanchfield, Jed and Bowen Reese, and Juliet and Sylvia Lange.
Dean is also survived by his sister, Sharon Reynolds, his numerous nephews, nieces, and the entire family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Evelyn Stanchfield, and his brother Frank Stanchfield.
The passing of Dean Stanchfield has left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones. Many of his loved ones are sharing his memories on social media, paying tribute to the late Dean.
One wrote:
“A great man who with his lovely bride raised an awesome family. We were blessed to have known him. Rest easy. Our thoughts and prayers.”
Another added:
“Growing up in Wise River in the early 80’s Eddie Lou and Dean invited most if not the whole town up for an afternoon potluck. it was something out of a story book with long table and red and white checkered tablecloths. so much food and wonderful hospitality. we played softball every Thursday out on his ranch. I will never forget and have talked about that day for many years now. He would always come over to the house and tell great stories with the grandparents. he was always kind and always had such a great happy spirit about him. last time I seen old Dean he came by my grandmother’s celebration of life there at the town hall to pay respects. I always had respect for Dean he was just a kind person to everyone. and great memories to remember him by. R.I.P. ole boy you earned it. *My condolences. 💐”
Shane KurzenbaumDean Stanchfield’s contribution to the Montana community as a great athlete and his kind nature will always be remembered. His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services.
SuruchiSuruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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