Dean Juntunen
2005 Hall of Fame Inductee

Enthusiasm for life, sharing with others, and competitive nature are common descriptions of Dean Juntunen's character and all reasons why this remarkable man is being inducted into the 2005 Hall of Fame Class.

A medically retired U.S. Air Force veteran, in 1991 Dean was injured in a fall from a tree while he was on leave from active military service acquiring a T 7/8 injury resulting in complete paraplegia. After his accident he chose to remain in the upper peninsula of Michigan to be surrounded by the people and environment he grew up with.

Dean began competitive racing in 1992 using both racing wheelchairs and hand cycles. He averages 15 races every year including three marathons. His goal is to accomplish 100 marathons in his lifetime. Across the nation he has raced in 35 marathons from 1993 through 2004. In 2002 Dean broke the national record at an Iowa Ultra Marathon Cycling Association Event completing 240 miles in a 24 hour period.

In addition to cycling, Dean's kayaking skills are well documented by those who have had the opportunity to attend one of his clinics. Witnesses have noted it is quite an extraordinary site to see Dean use his ski poles to propel his kayak up and down a 100 foot sand beach to get to and from the water from his 4-wheel all terrain vehicle. He owns seven kayaks in different sizes earmarked for different types of water. He has traversed the Firesteel and Ontonagon Rivers and explored Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

With his fleet of kayaks he has introduced dozens of people with and without disabilities to the sport and he also loans hand cycles and sit skis to individuals interested in learning a new sport. Besides loaning equipment, he also helps teach adaptive ski and hand cycling clinics as well as a camp kayaking program for children and adults with disabilities. An avid Nordic skier, he maintains a 5K classic groomed cross country ski trail near his home in Mass City, Michigan which is open to the public.

He is the founding member and president of the American with Disabilities Act Resource Network of Keweenaw which provides technical and peer support for people with disabilities. He is a member of the Ontonagon School Board, Lions Club, Ottawa National Forest Advisory Committee, Michigan State University Extension Council, and Ontonagon Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also the secretary and newsletter writer for the Ontonagon County Historical Society.

Hall of Fame alumni member Duncan Wyeth shares: "Dean truly is the personification of a human sports machine. He couples his athletic drive and competitive spirit with a love of life and a sincere commitment to his community of fellow people with disabilities. His drive for personal excellence is further illustrated by the volunteer hours that he spends as an advocate for disability rights."

Congratulations Dean!