Ores Dean Unzicker

In Loving Memory of Ores Dean Unzicker (January 26, 1949 – May 11, 2025)

It is with a sense of both  relief and sorrow that we announce the passing of Ores Dean Unzicker, 76, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and community servant who never hesitated to speak his mind. Known for his meticulous nature and a penchant for a clever quip, Dean brought a unique blend of sharp intellect, spirited opinion, and sincere dedication to everything he set out to do. His life was built upon his unwavering and closely guarded personal values of family, service, faith, and a relentless pursuit of meaning.

Dean was born on January 26, 1949 to Ores H. and Margaret Unzicker in Champaign, IL. He was raised in a small community of Fisher, Il surrounded by family. His life was tragically altered by the death of his father in a severe car accident in 1966. He began his college career at Western Illinois University, until he served as an orderly to fulfill his Civilian Public Service at Burnham City Hospital. This is where he reconnected with Heidi Anderson whom he first met in middle school at evangelical camp. He married Heidi, the love of his life, on December 19, 1970 at Twin City Bible Church in Urbana, IL. They then set off on their adventure together to Carbondale, Il, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in microbiology at Southern Illinois University. That same year, they celebrated the birth of their firstborn, Andrew Charles, on September 23, 1974. Later, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kristin Margaret, on March 22, 1978, the same year that he completed his master’s degree in microbiology. He served in multiple healthcare roles throughout his career in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio where he retired as Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Administrative Director at Trinity Health Systems.

He is lovingly survived by his devoted partner and wife, Heidi (Anderson) Unzicker, whose ongoing encouragement blessed his life every day. Dean leaves behind his son, Andrew Unzicker, 50, who finds inspiration in the landscapes of Lake Tahoe where he serves as a culinary craftsman; his daughter, Kristin Unzicker, 47, who upholds love and responsibility for the family while also living a full and vibrant life in Atlanta, GA; and his cherished granddaughter, Anderson Elizabeth Unzicker, 8½, whose special bond with her grandpa brought light to every family gathering.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Dean’s journey and celebrate a life well-lived—a celebration of his humor, wit, and an unwavering commitment to the values he held dear. The service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church (501 Grant St SE, Atlanta, GA) at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 17, 2025 with a reception to follow for all friends and family at Manuel’s (602 N Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA). His legacy endures in the thoughtful conversations, many lessons, and unforgettable moments shared by all who knew him.