Michael Bruce Dean

Michael Bruce Dean, “M.D.”, 48, skilled hairstylist and makeup artist, passed away unexpectedly, due to natural causes, at home in Chicago’s Humboldt Park/West Town neighborhood, in the early morning of October 1, 2024. Born in Burlington, Iowa, Michael lived with his parents in Kirkwood, Illinois until the age of six, when he went to live with his paternal aunt and paternal grandmother in Monmouth, Illinois. Growing up, he played the piano and did organ arrangements at various churches for pay. Michael graduated from Yorkwood High School and attended Carl Sandburg College before moving to Davenport, Iowa, where he trained in cosmetology and hairdressing at Capri College and worked at Vidal Sassoon Salon. When Michael was a teenager, his aunt brought him to Chicago to see “Phantom of the Opera”, and she watched him fall in love with the city. It was the only place he ever really wanted to live as an adult. Michael was a freelance stylist and hairstylist, could sing Tina Turner just like T.T. herself, read tarot cards, groomed dogs, and was also co-owner of Ginger’s Charcuterie business. A devoted friend, he gave huge, warm hugs, championed people who needed support, and helped care for terminally ill friends. M.D. was also an avid and very popular participant in KT’s Kids, an organization whose mission is to empower disabled children from marginalized communities. Campers were thrilled to learn how to apply makeup and style hair from M.D. M.D. is survived by his aunt Linda “Aunt Yi” Dean of Monmouth, IL; his best friends Lisa Marie Marte and Janine Marte, and three rescued pets: Leo the poodle-mix, Buddy the Westie-mix, and Peeps the former alley-cat, all of whom are frantically searching the house for him. Preceded in death by grandmother Hazel Dean, parents Myron Hale Dean and Marjorie Wicks Dean, and friends Ronald Stout and Chris Jern (aka Shane Ringo). Friends are gathering to celebrate Michael's life on Sunday, October 20, 3-7pm (eulogies begin 4pm) at Liar's Club, 1665 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to KT’s Kids: https://www.ktskids.com. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773–370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com

Michael Bruce Dean

December 2, 1975 - October 1, 2024