Obituary for Dale Denstad

Dale Wayne Denstad passed away on Friday, January 1, 2021, in Caledonia, Minn. following a brief hospitalization. After glancing into the new year, he departed this world having lived 90 years 8 months and 21 days. He was born April 11, 1930, in Caledonia, Minn. to Anton and Alma (Lee) Denstad. He was raised on their family farm just outside of town alongside his first cousin, Josfin (William) Kissinger, and older brothers Durward and Lee Denstad. Dale was handy on the farm, learning skills he would put to good use throughout his life. He attended Caledonia High School where he excelled on the football field and where he met Gladys Beardmore of rural New Albin. Dale and Gladys were married at Immanuel Lutheran church in Caledonia on May 23, 1950. They spent the first year of married life on Dale's family farm, welcoming their first son, Gary. Soon after, Dale took a job with Trane, so they moved to LaCrosse, Wisc. for a short time before settling in with Gladys's parents to help on their family farm in Winnebago township. In the years that followed, Dale and Gladys welcomed two more sons, Rick and Terry. Dale and his family moved to Caledonia in the spring of 1970, making their home on Marshall Street for many years. Dale worked in sales for Harvestore while also overseeing the building of Starlite Lanes bowling alley. Once the project was complete, he ran the bowling alley full-time before selling the business in 1980. Dale and Gladys remained in Caledonia until 2006 when they moved to New Albin, IA. Dale saw many opportunities in life and was never afraid to step into a new venture. He was outgoing, held strong convictions, and was quick to lend a hand. He enjoyed swapping stories and witty remarks, spending time at his boat house, tending bar at the Shellhorn, and having his family around. He loved chocolate, sun tea, and the Big Band era music of his youth. He traveled with Gladys to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Calgary, the Bahamas, Australia, and New Zealand. He also made a solo journey to meet his relatives in Norway. He was a veritable fount of information, clearly recollecting dates and details of family and community history right up to the end. His loss is deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him. Dale was predeceased by his wife, Gladys in June, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Alma; his first cousin, Josfin; his brother, Durward; his brother, Lee; his nephew, Craig, and other members of his brother's families. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren: Gary (Katy) of LaCrescent, MN; Rick (Kaye) of Brownsville, MN; Terry (Jen) and children Kayley Bibber and Terry Jr. of Brownsville, MN; Doreen, daughter-in-law of Caledonia, MN; Aaron (Amy) of LaCrosse, WI; Angela (Patrick) Stigeler and sons Noah and Laurent of Caledonia, MN; Joe of Brownsville, MN; Emily (Joe) Galegher and sons Edward and August of St. Paul, MN; Carl (Carlie VonArx) of Brownsville, MN; Avery (fiancée Hannah Navrestad) of LaCrosse, WI. Funeral services will be held at the Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home in Caledonia on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00am, Pastor Paul Burgess officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00am. Due to the current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines are recommended, those who are unable to attend the services in person are encouraged to send condolences via mail to: PO Box 45, New Albin, Iowa, 52160. Online condolences may be offered at the funeral home website, www.jandtfredrickson.com.