Before Don Deines and Bob Prakken there existed NO automation solution for the automatic case-packing of flexible bags. In the 60’s Don revolutionized the French fry industry in North America with his invention of the shelf machine, known as Dynapak. The Dynapak has long been the standard for packing bags standing up in RSC cases. A little later, in the 70’s Bob Prakken did the same thing for the European French Fry industry, founding BluePrint Automation with another machine invention packing bags laying flat.
Although technically competitors they shared a deep respect for each other’s accomplishments and that mutual respect was demonstrated during the historic event in 2007 when Don and Bob were together at the 20th year anniversary party of BluePrint USA. Bob passed away in 2012 and is now followed by Don. Maybe they meet again.
Our thoughts are with all that loved Don, especially his son and nephew, our dear colleagues Jeff and Chad Deines.
DONALD E. DEINES Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home Donald E. Deines, 87, of Pasco, Washington, passed away Friday, October 21, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Henry, Nebraska July 28, 1929 to Tillie and Ike Deines. After the death of Don's mother, his father married Clara Bender and the family moved to the Tri Cities in 1942. Don's early career was in food processing and in the late 60's he designed a machine automating the french fry industry. In 1969 he went into business with Byron Baker and the Deines-Baker Development Company was established, later becoming Dyna-Pak, a division of Package Machinery Company. Don was an avid outdoorsman loving; camping, golfing, fishing and hunting. With a special love of the family's mountain property known as 'The Land' He was a twenty-seven year member of the Tri City Country Club. Don lived in the Skagit Valley with his first wife Nelda while working in the food processing industry. They raised a family of four; Pam, Cheryl, Chuck and Patty Sue. In 1963 he remarried after meeting the love of his life Sally George. Together they raised a family of three; Sandy, Katy and Jeff. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sally and his children; Pam, Sandy, Patty Sue, Katy (Wayne) and Jeff (Laura). Don was blessed with many grandchildren; Susie, Andrew, Nelda, Rita, Justin, Cherri Lee, Chad, Chipper, Kristi, Denise, Donell, Trevor, Dante, Ariana, Cody, Shea and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jim (Frieda) and sisters; Shirley, Lois, Edna (Gene), Billie (Larry), sister-in-law Pam (David) Uncle Bud and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his mother Tillie, father Ike, son Chuck, and daughter Cheryl. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Chaplaincy Hospice House. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Don's name to the Chaplaincy Hospice House 1480 Fowler St. Richland, WA. 99352. Services will be held at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union St., Kennewick, WA 99338. Friday October 28, 2016, at 11 a.m., with a reception immediately to follow downstairs. The family invites you to sign their online tribute wall at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.
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