Dale H. Neitzel

Dale was born June 16, 1935, to Ralph and Augusta Neitzel in Lakefield, MN. He graduated from Austin High School in June 1954 and served our country in the United States Army from 1955 - 1958 with a tour in Germany. He was united in marriage to Reka Waalkens on March 14, 1959, in Hollandale. They together enjoyed raising their five children and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Together Dale and Reka enjoyed many traveling trips, attending gospel festivals with friends and going for drives together. As a family they enjoyed annual summer trips ' up north' where Dale spent most of his time reorganizing his tackle box, untangling grandkids' fishing lines and admiring God's creation. Dale became an avid hockey fan when his youngest son started playing hockey as a young boy. They spent many weekends at tournaments over the past years and most recently, he enjoyed watching his grandson play hockey. Dale was employed by Larson Mfg. Co. in Lakes Mills and retired December 31, 1997. Dale and Reka were grateful for the many trips they took with the company and the wonderful friends they made. Dale was also employed at Streater's for many years before going to work for Larson. After his retirement, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and most recently worked part time at Lyons Chrysler Dodge. His favorite pass-time was his "morning coffee with the guys." Dale was a member of Crossroads Evangelical Free Church & actively involved in the life & mission of the church with his greatest joy coming from knowing and serving his Heavenly Father. He was dedicated to serving in all areas from ushering to construction work at the new church building. Most recently, he was involved with The Community Choir and was preparing for the upcoming Easter Cantata at the time of his death. Throughout Dale's life, he focused on providing for the family. After the death of Reka in 2002, Dale comforted his children by expanding his role as dad and grandpa. He attended the grandkids' school, sports, dance events, and was known as their 'personal taxi.' The grandkids enjoyed the special treats grandpa brought over and the lunch dates they had. He was willing to help whenever needed. He was very special to his children and grandchildren and will be missed dearly. Survivors include daughter, Carla Neitzel of Anoka; son, Rod Neitzel and wife Deb of Ellendale and their children: Rachel Powell and daughters, Chelsea and Corrie, Jennifer Douty and her husband, Andrew and children, Samantha, Jacob, and Timmy, Kimberly Nelson and children, Alyssa and Isaiah; daughter, Mary Knutson and husband Tim and children, Jordan, Jonah, and Hannah of Albert Lea; daughter, Sharon Evenson and husband, Jamie and children, Ashley and Ryan of Albert Lea; son, Scott Neitzel of Albert Lea and "chosen daughter" Cindy Harris of Anoka; sisters, Karen Hendrickson and Audrey Sorenson and husband, Howard; brother, Richard and wife, Susie; sisters and brothers-in-law: Babe and Larry Enderson, Bev and Lynn Houston, John and Judy Waalkens, Marge and Louis Buckmaster, and Deli Neitzel; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Dale was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Reka Neitzel on October 10, 2002; parents, Ralph and Augusta Neitzel; mother and father-in-law, Melvin and Mary Waalkens, brother, Myron Neitzel; nephew, Bruce Neitzel, and brother-in-law, Laurel Hendrickson. Dale was a loving and caring husband and father. His passion was to know that his family and friends would come to know the Lord in a personal way. His greatest priority was providing for his family a Godly example by studying the word of God and applying it to his daily life.