Dean Tod Gurule

The family of Dean Gurule is saddened to announce his sudden passing on April 7, 2025. Dean was a beloved father, son, grandpa, nephew and cousin. He was dearly loved by extended family as well as many long-time friends. 

Dean was born in Las Vegas, NV, on September 29, 1967. He is the son of Lorraine Gurule. He went to school in Las Vegas, NV, and graduated from Eldorado High School. During his childhood he often visited New Mexico and stayed with his grandparents. He developed a great love for New Mexico and eventually moved to Santa Cruz, NM. Living with his grandparents, his grandpa Joe taught him mechanical work, welding and how to fix many things. He also attended Northern New Mexico College in El Rito, NM. 

He went on to work at Los Alamos National Lab as a Property Manager and worked there for many years. He moved back to Las Vegas, NV, to be with his Mom and was residing there. Still, he always missed the New Mexico mountains and culture as New Mexico always had his heart. 

Dean was preceded in death by his grandparents Joe G. and Bernie L. Sanchez; aunt Loyola Salazar; aunt Sandra Sanchez; and cousin Elaine Lucero. 

He is survived by his only daughter Emilee Garcia (Brandon); grandsons Bentley and Jericho; mother Lorraine Gurule; aunt Mabel Willaman (Mike); cousins Daleen Martinez (Carlos), Damon Salazar (Cyndi); Janelle Borrego (Jeff), Michelle Robbins (Andy), Karla Matts (Jared); Jessica Martinez, Andrew Lucero (Shanna), Clara Dougherty (David), and Jacquelin Baca (Leo). 

Those who knew Dean loved his character for the big heart and playful attitude he always had. He made friends any place he went and loved to keep in touch with all his life-long friends from New Mexico. Some of his favorite things to do in life were jet skiing, hunting and fishing. He enjoyed trips to Minnesota and Canada to fish. He also enjoyed woodworking and working with metal. He was a wonderful cook and always liked to be in charge during family BBQ’s and gatherings. His pride in life was his daughter, twin grandsons and his Mom. Dean’s passing will leave a mark on our hearts for a very long time as he was loved by many. 

Services will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church (126 S. McCurdy Rd.) Santa Cruz, NM. A Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Santa Cruz Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Damon Salazar, Richie Ronquillo, Rick Salazar and Henry Trujillo.

The family of Dean Gurule has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477