Dean Thomas Muench, 49, a computer consultant and professional backgammon player, died in his Palatine home Wednesday.
Born in Elgin, Mr. Muench graduated from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights and attended Northwestern University in Evanston. He was a 22-year resident of Palatine.
Mr. Muench’s passion was backgammon, which he learned 25 years ago, family members said. He soon was playing in tournaments held in local bars and clubs, but he then found more suitable competition in world-class tournaments, where he made his mark.
In 1985, he won the World Amateur Backgammon Championship in Las Vegas, which put him among the ranks of top players in the world. A longtime member of the Bar Point Club of Chicago, Mr. Muench enjoyed traveling to backgammon tournaments in Europe and other parts of the world.
“He was always playing the game,” recalled one of his sons, Kevin, who added that his father also played backgammon on the Internet.
Mr. Muench also enjoyed playing cards and chess. “We’re a game-playing family,” his son said. “My dad just loved stuff like that.”
Other survivors include his wife of 30 years, Kathleen; four daughters, Kristy Pittas, Jennifer Dipple, Meggan True and Molly; two other sons, Kyle and Maximilian; his parents, Robert and Cecelia; a sister, Janice Knecht; two brothers, Gregory and Robert; and six grandchildren.
Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, 1152 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine.
