Dean Cart Hammond

Published 11:39 am Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Dean Cart Hammond, 91, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House. The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, June 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, S.D. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 20, at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 1400 S. Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, S.D. 57105, followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Dean was born James Dean Cart on May 28, 1934, to Gail and Mina (Walker) Cart in Austin, MN. His mother died a few hours after his birth. At 3 days of age, he went to live with his Uncle and Maternal Aunt, Orvis Cyrus and Leitha (Walker) Hammond. He was adopted by his Uncle and Aunt at one year of age and his name was changed to Dean Cart Hammond.

Dean grew up in Albert Lea, MN. He graduated from Albert Lea Central High School in 1953. He enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1957 and was sent to engineering school. After his graduation, the army sent him to the 58th Armored Engineers in Fulda, Germany for 16 months, where he developed a love for travel. Before his discharge, he had achieved a rank of Spec 4.

When he returned, he joined his father in the family business, Albert Lea Tent and Awning. He bought the business in 1969. In 1973 he joined the Industrial Fabrics Association International and passed the Master Fabric Craftsman test. In 1975 he changed the name of the business to Cardinal Canvas Products, Inc. In 1993 he moved the business to Sioux Falls, S.D. In 2012 he sold the business to his son and daughter. But Dean never retired, he was involved in the daily operations of the business until he was physically unable to come to work at the age of 88.

Dean was President of the Upper Midwest Canvas Products Association in 1980/81. He was chairman of the Truck Cover and Tarp Division of the Industrial Fabric Association International from 1992 until 1996.

On August 8, 1964, he was united in marriage to Lois Marion Eckhardt in Blue Earth, MN, and they were blessed with 3 children: Jane, John and Beth.

Dean was a 25-year member of the Albert Lea Lions Club. He was a 10-year member of the Freeborn County Historical Society. When he moved to Sioux Falls, he joined Zion Lutheran Church, and he was an active member, having served on the Stewardship Committee and was an Elder.

Dean’s hobbies included snowmobiling, downhill skiing, sailing, water skiing, HO model trains, and traveling. He was a member of the Sioux Falls Snow Trackers Snowmobile Club. His passion was driving, he had driven to 46 of the lower 48 states, and he loved watching auto racing and going to Huset’s Speedway on Sunday nights. As a young man he raced at Chateau Motor Speedway in Lansing, MN. for several seasons and he won many races.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Jane (Darin) Steffen, Sioux Falls, S.D., John (Nancy) Hammond, Sioux Falls, S.D., Beth (Kevin) Neil Sartell, MN and six grandchildren, Christen Neil, Katherine Steffen, Beckett Neil, Michael Hammond, Sarah Hammond and Mary Steffen.

He was preceded in death by his adopted parents, his birth parents, his brother Bill Cart and sister Carolyn Van Riper and his beloved wife Lois.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Ponderosa Senior Living Center, and the Dougherty Hospice House for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Sioux Falls Lutheran School Endowment Fund.www.heritagesfsd.com