Valerie (Hart) Welker
519 Marguerite Ave; Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
My parents Hugh and JoAnn (Lockett) Hart grew up in Philip with Dale Dale so
when he moved to Spearfish I met him right away; He use to always tell me and my
dad that he was going to marry me one day! When I was home for a visit
after not living in Spearfish for several years; I saw Dale in church and he
came up to me and said "I remember you." He was such a sweet
person. I remember the stories my parents use to share about how Dale
would FLY around Philip on his bicycle! He was a big part of the Spearfish
Community and he is truly missed.
Charlie and Nancy Ekstrum
Green Valley, Arizona and Philip, South Dakota
We read if Dale's passing in the paper and know that this is late, but the
sincerity is the same. Dale was a happy person and was blessed to have
such a warm, caring family that kept track of him. Just never ever allowed
Dale's condition to become an excuse. We extend our sympathy to you all.
Keep in touch.
Mary Lou McKay (Fellows)
14107 72nd Ave E. Puyallup, Wa. 98373
How well I remember Dale Dale (as we all called him in Philip). He was so
happy and friendly. He loved coming into our store and visiting with my
Dad, Aunt Pete and the other clerks. He especially loved trying on hats
and boots!! What a joy he was to everyone. I enjoyed reading how he was so
active after he left Philip. My sympathies to his family. You were
truly blessed!
Mayor Jerry Krambeck
625 5th. Street Spearfish, SD 57783
Life is a very interesting journey. We meet many people along the way
that influence us in the way we live our own lives. I met Dale in the 70's
when he first came to Spearfish and he touched my heart from that time.
When I owned the bowling alley, Dale stopped by almost every early evening.
He would socialize with the bowlers, have a pop and candy bar and go along his
way. He also loved to bowl, so having a close connection to the proprietor
of the local bowling center was an advantage to him. One Monday night he
was standing at the counter and somebody realized that Dale was in the company
of several other Dales. It went like this: Dale, I would like you to
meet Dale, Dale, Dale and this is Dale Dale. Dale always remembered that
night and we laughed about it many times.
Dale loved life and touched many people in his time of living. He was
proud of his family, friends and his heritage of being from Philip. I
could go on and tell many stories about my experiences knowing Dale, but I am
just proud that I was able to be his friend.
Joanne Nicholas RN
10152 Red Hill Place, Spearfish, SD 57783
You are in my thoughts and prayers. It has been my privilege to work with
Dale and you, his family. I am sorry that I can not be with you on Friday.
Sallie Hullinger Cuny
2535 220th Street Piedmont, SD 57769
I grew up in Spearfish and graduated from High school there in 2004.
When I read the paper and saw Dale's name, it brought back memories of my days
in Spearfish as a kid. My parents, Richard and Earlene Hullinger, owned
the Kwik Mart for many years, just recently sold it about 3 years ago.
Dale frequently visited my dad at the gas station. He also made
stops at the Nickel household to visit with Cal, Lucille and my parents.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dale's family and friends. Sallie
Hullinger Cuny
Gwen McCue Carlstrom
225 N. Rainbow Rd Spearfish, SD 57783
I've worked at NHTC for 15 years and that's how long I've known Dale.
He was a special person. Dale was proud of his family and loved them very
much. He always wanted to be a truck driver. He was proud of the
trucking caps that Ike got him. We talked about Kelly as I went to NCB
with her and the Jim Strain family I knew from Martin.
Fred Romkema, CEO - Northern Hills Training Center
625 Harvard Street, Spearfish, SD 57783-1897
November 16, 2004
Tribute to Dale Dale:
Dale, old friend, you have been gone for such a short time and we miss you. I'm
certain you are eating steaks at the great Truck Stop in the Sky with your
friends from Philip, Spearfish, and new friends from Amarillo, Texas.
Members of the Catholic congregation, where you sang in the choir, and the
Methodist congregation announced your passing. You were larger than life
and liked by all. In fact, the Methodists have placed Ike, Mary, and other
members of the Dale family on their prayer list.
You were a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Spearfish where you sang in
the choir and occasionally played your harmonica. You and Jimmie were well
known around Spearfish and many people have asked, having read the obituary,
"Is that our Dale?"
You always had a smile and a laugh and were always on the lookout for money so
you could go to the Truck Stop, have a steak, and go dancing.
We miss you, Dale. You added a smile and spark wherever you went. We were
fortunate to have known you for some 25 years.
When I asked Dan Cross, Dale's latest service coordinator, what he remembered
about Dale he said, "Dale was just a cool guy. I only knew him for
two years. I liked his country ways; his firm handshake, his enthusiastic
'How are you?' and his conversations about Philip, his brother Ike, the Philip
Sale Barn, and eighteen wheelers."
Rest in peace, Dale, and enjoy those steaks.
Fred Romkema
CEO, Northern Hills Training Center
Russ Ludens
Northern Hills Training Center
Long before I knew Dale here at Northern Hills Training Center, I was lucky
to know him as a friend through the Spearfish Volunteer Fire Department.
Dale and a friend used to go around town and put up fliers for us for our annual
Pancake Breakfast. Every year he would find me weeks ahead of time to be
the "first" to apply for the job. He was a joy to know and work
with.
Laura Wendland
Northern Hills Training Center, Spearfish, SD
I was Dale's case manager for a couple of years. I always enjoyed his
sense of humor, love for his family, and ability to keep me on my toes. I
remember when he hitchhiked to Rapid City, was dropped off at Perkins, and
called his cousin to meet him for coffee. Luckily, his cousin called me to
inform me of his whereabouts. I was quite nervous that morning when Dale
didn't show up for work. Everytime someone speaks of Dale, they say,
"Remember that time..." We will miss him. He was part of
our family for so long.
Matthew Miller
Seattle, WA
I'll miss my good buddy Uncle Dale
Jason and Vonda Hamill
Milesville, SD
Jason and I both grew up in Spearfish, were Jason's stepfather, Fred, was the
director of the Northern Hills Training Center. We always saw Dale about
town with a multitude of friends, shopping and having ice cream or sodas.
He was certainly one of the most active clients of the Training Center, cheerful
and friendly! Bless you all at this time of loss.
Shelia (McDaniel) Trask
Wasta SD
Dale gave me my first bike! He was truly a special person.
Rush
Funeral Home