SARATOGA SPRINGS — Charles “Dude” Dehn, 79, passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Dude was born May 6, 1939 in Saratoga Springs to the late Charles Dehn, Jr. and Ida Mae (Gibson). After graduating high school Dude enlisted in the US Navy Seabees Reserves in 1956, was activated from 1958 to 1960, and was honorably discharged from the US Navy Reserve in 1962. After his military service Dude returned home and followed in his father’s footsteps taking over the family business, Dehn’s Flowers on Beekman Street, which was established in 1892 by his Great-Grandfather, Christian Dehn.
He was a hardworking man who enjoyed seeing his flowers throughout Saratoga Springs including places like the Saratoga Race Track, Adirondack Trust Company Banks, and hanging baskets on city light posts. Dude was recently thrilled to have Dehn’s flowers picked to provide flowers and space to build flower blankets for the 2018 Belmont Stakes as well as flower blankets for the 2018 Saratoga Racing Meet.
Dude was a family man who loved, loved, loved being with his family and friends gathered at their camp on the Hudson River just outside of Corinth. Sometimes referring to himself as “the original Dude,” he also enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with his family. He was also an avid bowler and proud to have recorded a perfect 300 game.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Kathleen (Graul), two daughters; Terri (John) Mishoe of Greenfield Center and Lori (John) Barnes of Saratoga Springs, sister Deborah (Gordon) Hatch, Grandchildren; John P. Mishoe, Jr., Kira (Corbin) Joshu, Kelli Mishoe, Lauren Barnes, and Christian Barnes. Dude is also survived by his sister-in-law Robyn (John) Kelly who was like a daughter to him and Kathleen whom they raised from a young age.
Relatives and friends gathered to remember him on Monday, December 17, 2018 William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff, Inc. Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.
A funeral service was celebrated on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at the funeral home.Burial with military honors was private.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
