Dean L. Estes

Dean L. Estes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and gifted artist, passed away peacefully in his home on August 19, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. He was 80 years old. Dean was born on October 4, 1944, in Clatskanie, Oregon, to Ole Anderson and Mildred Faye (Long) Estes.

Dean began a beautiful journey with his wife, Judi (Craig) Estes, whom he met at high school dances in Moscow, Idaho. They were inseparable from the start, marrying a week after Judi's high school graduation in 1964 and moving to Boise so Dean could attend college at Boise State. Their marriage of 61 years was a testament to their deep and unwavering love for each other and their shared faith. Early in their marriage, they dedicated their lives to following Jesus's example of love. They spent 53 years in the same home, where they extended their gift of hospitality to countless people in need of a conversation, a cup of coffee, a meal, or a place to stay. While their own lives stayed centered in Idaho they were constantly supporting and blessing the coming and going of their family and friends who ministered all over the world.

They took care of each other through several health crises and other life challenges. All these difficulties did was strengthen the bond between the two of them and give them more experience on how to care for others, which they did so tirelessly.

Dean was a multi-talented and accomplished artist, a man who saw the world as a canvas for creativity. He was a master of many mediums, including sculpture, painting, design, woodworking, welding, pottery, photography, stained glass, and furniture building. He was honored to receive the first Bachelor of Fine Arts degree ever awarded by Boise State College in 1970. He viewed himself as a "paintbrush in God's hands," and his unselfish mentoring of other artists reflected this belief. His workshop, studio, and sunroom were always filled with projects that brought other people's dreams to life.

Among his many projects, he was most proud of his sculpture series, "Dancers Who Dance Upon Injustice," which included bronze busts of figures who fought for justice and humanity:

• Abraham Lincoln: which can be seen in the Idaho State Capitol Building and the Idaho Historical Museum.
• Martin Luther King Jr.: which can be seen in the Idaho Black History Museum.
• Anne Frank: which can be seen in the Nampa, Idaho Public Library.
• Mother Teresa: which can be seen at the All Saints Episcopal Church in Boise.

Dean's influence extended to his service within the church community. Throughout the years, he and Judi invested in three different congregations in the Treasure Valley area—Cole Community, Central Assembly, and Vineyard Christian Fellowship—which expanded their circle of friends and community. Dean used his talents to support the arts in these churches by creating theater sets, building stages, and even restoring a major stained glass window for the Vineyard that had been brought to Boise from the east coast.

He was an amazing father to his two sons and their wives, Chad Craig Estes and his wife Jamie, and Trevor Scott Estes, and his wife Andrea. He was a very proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Kona Marie Estes, Chad Stephen Lewis Estes, Bonnie J. Estes, Renton Craig Estes, Patience Lucia Estes, and Paige Olina Estes. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Loren and Mary Estes of Palouse, Washington and their families.

Dean will be deeply missed by Sydney, his loud, little schnauzer.

Dean had a fascination with Heaven and was always pondering about what was waiting for all of us on the other side. He had a stack of books near his bedside on the topic and loved to dream of a world that was full of light, love and color. This world is no dimmer with his passing as he has sparked life and creativity that he has left burning brightly in so many others.

Dean’s family would like to thank Doctor’s Hospice of Idaho for their care that allowed Dean to pass comfortably at home.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Garden City, Idaho, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the main sanctuary. A dessert reception will follow in Heritage Hall. For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed and available to watch on Vineyard Boise’s Facebook Live and Vineyard Boise’s YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers or financial gifts, please consider writing a tribute to Dean and his influence in your life and posting it to his Facebook page. If appropriate, please include photos of the work that he helped you create.