LCDR Dean A. Engelhardt, USN, Ret.

LCDR Dean Allan Engelhardt, U.S. Navy, Retired, 70, of Hertford, NC, died Saturday, March 22, 2025, in his home after a brief battle with sarcoma cancer.

Born in Waukon, IA on April 8, 1954, Dean was the son of the late Vernis Verdean Engelhardt and Irene Mangels Engelhardt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Engelhardt Schulte.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he proudly served our country for 22 years. After his active duty service as a Navy Surface Line and Navy Diver/Explosive Ordinance Disposal Officer, Dean served in numerous positions within the federal government, to include nuclear weapons safety officer. Upon retirement to the Hertford area from Northern Virginia, Dean worked part time as an instructor at the Graduate School USA. He was also engaged in many volunteer activities which included supporting the William Paul Stallings American Legion Post 126 as a prior Vice Commander, assisting with Open Pantry Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Dean was a member of Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, Toastmasters International, Perquimans Democratic Party, and the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

A selfless role model, he is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sue Prestemon Engelhardt; his son, James Dean Engelhardt (wife, Baylee) of Kodiak, AK; his grandson, Strider Ulrich Engelhardt; and nine nieces and nephews. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be dearly missed by his family.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, 311 W. Main Street, Elizabeth City, and will be conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Don Morris. His life will again be celebrated in August at a ceremony at his beloved cabin in Iowa.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to curesarcoma.org or to this Go Fund Me (https://gofund.me/9c19d909) to support a future donation to Future Farmers of America at Waukon, Iowa High School.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.