Dr. Dean Stewart Tribby, DVM

Dr. Dean Stewart Tribby, DVM, 93, of Marshall passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice in Jackson MI with his daughter by his side. He was born on March 29, 1930, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Stewart and Harriett (Wilcox) Tribby.

Dean grew up on his family’s centennial farm in Concord MI. He was a graduate of Concord High School, Jackson Community College and received an BS in Agriculture from Michigan State Agricultural College (now MSU) in 1952. While there, he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity, sang in the Men’s Glee Club and it was there a fraternity brother introduced him to his girlfriend’s sister and he became “smitten with Donna Reed.” They married in Horton, MI on February 21, 1953. One-week later Dean left for a 16-month tour as an MP with the US Army in the Korean Conflict. While stationed near Pusan, he became involved with a local orphanage and worked with his family and the Concord Community to provide them with much needed toys, clothing, and supplies.

Upon his return from Korea, Dean continued his education at Michigan State University and earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After graduating and working for other veterinarians, he went on to own and operate a large animal practice in Deerfield, WI. Wanting to spend more time with his young family and pursue his interest in community health, Dean returned to Michigan to teach Veterinary Surgery at MSU and pursue an MA in Public Health from the University of Michigan. He became the Deputy Director of the Ingham County Health Department where he oversaw the Family Planning Department and was instrumental in establishing the Ingham County Animal Shelter. In 1972, he moved his family from Okemos to a farm in Marshall. A Jackson County native, he was pleased to accept the position of Deputy Director at Jackson County Health Department. Through community collaboration, he worked to improve and ensure maternal and infant health, access to family planning and prevention of disease. Seeing the increase in tobacco borne illness, he worked diligently with the Jackson Tobacco Reduction Coalition, to educate youth, prevent and prosecute the sale of tobacco to underage users. He also served on several boards, including the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, American Public Health Association, and the Michigan Public Health Officers Association, serving as President from 1991-1992. He retired from Jackson County in 1993.

Dean was a member of the Marshall United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, served on several committees, and enjoyed church mission trips to repair and improve church facilities around the country. He enjoyed the golf league, study groups, and the many lifelong friendships with his church family. He was involved with Marshall Habitat for Humanity, writing grants, and working on houses. Having a home was important to him, and he wanted others to have the opportunity to have the safety, security and stability provided by home ownership.

Dean and Donna had a loving marriage and were supportive of not only their families, but each other's dreams. Attending music, theatre, and sports activities for their children and grandchildren gave them joy. They traveled extensively around the world and were delighted to be invited along with several members of the 772 MP Battalion Veterans Association as guests of the South Korean Government for a special recognition of Korean War Veterans. Dean enjoyed being outdoors, canoeing, hunting, and farming, which included growing popcorn and operating a red raspberry U-pick operation with his friend Roger. Dean enjoyed Detroit Tiger Baseball and Big 10 sports. He was an enthusiastic supporter of both Michigan State and the University of Michigan, but when in competition, he was a Michigan State Spartan Fan first. “Go Green!”

His favorite times were when he was with family and friends singing, golfing, playing cards and Sunday dinners. Dean enjoyed wonderful friendships, the love of caring companions, and will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, infectious smile, and his willingness to lend a helping hand.

He is survived by daughter Annette (Wayne) Campau of Marshall, and sons Scott (Patty) Tribby of Gobles, Alan (Heidi) Tribby of Sunset Beach, NC  and Eric (Carol) Tribby of Simpsonville, SC. Dean was the proud grandfather of Emily (Steve) Carr, Alexandra (Joseph) Selner, Ben Tribby, Laura Tribby, Megan (Jed) Stephenson, Matthew Tribby, Ian Tribby, Jason Tribby, Alyssa Tribby, Ezekial Tribby, Dylan Rosenfeld and great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Henry and George Carr, Joseph and Charlotte Selner and Chaysten, Chanddym, Chancelynn, and Chaisley Stephenson. Dean was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Donna Tribby, son David Tribby, parents Stewart and Harriet Tribby and sister Carolyn Doelker.

A Visitation will be Sunday, June 18th from 4-7 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral Home 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 19th at the Marshall United Methodist Church with visitation from 10-11 a.m. and a celebration of Dean’s life at 11 a.m. Following the luncheon at the church, burial with military honors will be held at 2:30 pm at Maple Grove Cemetery in Concord, MI.

The family asks memorial contributions to the Marshall United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Marshall Habitat for Humanity.

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.