IRVINE, CA, October 13, 2023 — The Rev. Dr. Dean Vieselmeyer, longtime faculty member at Concordia University Irvine, entered his eternal rest on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Dean, along with his wife Dian, served Concordia for 34 years, filling many integral roles to help build the still fledgling university, then known as Christ College, after their arrival in 1985. A professor of theology, his roles included overseeing residential life, athletics, arts, campus ministry, advising, health services, student government, and freshman orientation. He served as Executive Vice President of the University in the early 2000s. In that role, he worked with the University’s Advancement team to promote Concordia with church and community partners. He ended his career in the university’s Master’s in Coaching and Athletics Administration (MCAA) program, helping to build the program into what would become one of Concordia’s most successful graduate programs, traveling around the country to recruit for the program. He continued to actively promote and support the university even after his official retirement in 2019. Dean was also a member of the football coaching staff at Orange Lutheran High School for nearly 30 years, impacting many students and families with his passion for the sport and for the young people he mentored.
Colleagues at Concordia remember Dean’s tremendous impact within the Concordia community and beyond:
“Dean was the heart and soul of Concordia in his commitment to the student experience. He and Dian welcomed countless students into their home over the years,” notes Vice President of Advancement, Marketing, and Communications Tim Jaeger. “For Dean it was simple…share the Gospel. He has had a profound impact on generations through his many vocations.”
“Dean was a consummate servant leader who was a cherished mentor and friend to countless people throughout his life,” says Kent Schlichtemeier, Director of Concordia’s Servant Leadership Institute. “Dean will be remembered for his contagious enthusiasm for life, his relentless work ethic, and love for Jesus.”
Chief Mission Officer Steve Mueller writes, “Dean was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and an incredible advocate of the mission and ministry of Concordia, and of Lutheran education at all levels. A constant advocate for the needs of students, he freely gave his time and energy to care for people, seeking to bring out the best in them. Dean mentored countless people, both students and colleagues, and empowered them to grow. Though his time was precious, Dean continued to teach throughout his career so that he could work directly with the students he loved. Dean’s legacy will continue to be a blessing for generations to come.”
“Dean’s deep Christian faith motivated everything that he did,” says Peter Senkbeil, Vice President and Special Assistant to the President. “He worked tirelessly on behalf of Concordia’s students, supporting and encouraging them in so many ways over the years. Dean and his wife Dian mentored many younger faculty and staff; I’m blessed to have known him both as a mentor and a friend.”
Rev. Dr. Vieselmeyer is survived by his wife Dian, their sons, and their families.
To honor his legacy and commitment, Dean's family lovingly requests donations made to Concordia's MCAA program in his memory.
Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. Dean Vieselmeyer
The Celebration of Life Service for Rev. Dr. Dean Vieselmeyer will take place on Saturday, December 9, at 10:00 a.m. in the CUI Arena on the campus of Concordia University Irvine.
Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to join in celebrating God’s faithfulness in the life of his servant Dean, and remembering Dean’s life and legacy. A reception will follow in the Rodney Lawrence Grimm Student Union.
Clergy are asked to vest and process in white stoles and should gather by 9:30 a.m. in Gym 202.
Join the Celebration of Life via livestream
