Dean Russell Kolln

Dean Russell Kolln of Autryville. NC passed away March 23rd, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, NC at age 78. He was surrounded, in the days leading up to his passing, by his loving wife and children.

Dean was born on July 11, 1947, in Dennison, IA, the eldest child of Arnold Dean Kolln & Darlene Elizabeth Kolln (nee Christinsen).

His father was in the military and as a child, Dean lived in several cities throughout the states, as well as in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. He attended high school in Clovis, NM where he played football on the school’s team. After graduating high school, he was drafted into the US Army in 1967. Dean completed Airborne and Ranger schools, before being shipped to Vietnam in 1968. While serving in Vietnam, Dean was injured and was awarded the Purple Heart. In addition, he also received a bronze star and 2 Army commendation medals for his service in Vietnam. Dean served 7 years in the Army, before he retired with the rank of Captain.

After leaving the military, he went to Iowa State College, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. In the late 70’s he moved to North Carolina, where he worked for Eveready Battery before working for Konica Minolta, Zink Imaging and Goodyear Tire.

Dean loved to fish and would go camping at Carolina Beach State Park. His favorite spot was at Fort Fisher Beach. He loved fishing so much he taught himself how to design fishing rods. He loved to tinker in his shop and garden.

Dean was preceded in death by his mother and father, and sister Diane.

Dean is survived by his wife of 23 years, Linda Diane Stone-Kolln, son Christopher Ray Kolln (Jacqueline), daughter Ashley Gail Kolln, sister Luann Bailey, brother Terry Kolln (Karen), granddaughter August, grandsons Rylan, Thayer & Paul, as well as many nieces & nephews.

Final arrangements are being entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC 28391.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on his behalf to either of the below:

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (near Kure Beach) https://ncasociety.org/donate

Friends of Fort Fisher https://www.friendsoffortfisher.org/