Dale F. Dirkswager

Aug. 23, 1930 – Nov. 7, 2010


Dale Francis Dirkswager, 80, of Excelsior, Minn., formerly of Chaska, Minn., Ridgewood, N.J., and Waukesha, died Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, at Golden Living Care Center in Excelsior surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born Aug. 23, 1930, in Minneapolis, to Frank and Vivian (Welton) Dirkswager, one of two children. He was baptized and confirmed in Maple Lake, Minn., and graduated from Chaska High School in 1948. He attended St. John’s University in Minnesota, and graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 1981.

On Dec. 27, 1951, Dale married Marilyn Tessman at Guardian Angels Catholic Church. They had five children. He was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church and the Chaska American Legion Post No. 57. He had worked as a manufacturers sales representative for more than 40 years in various locations. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, telling jokes, storytelling and talking politics. He was an avid sports fan and a very spiritual man.

Dale’s family would like to give a very special thanks to the caring staff of Golden Living of Excelsior.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra Boehne; and sister, Dorothy Fitzgerald.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; children, Mary (Jerry) Kerber, Dave (Carol) Dirkswager, Mark Dirkswager and Amy (Chuck) Olson; son-in-law, Ted (Meg) Boehne; grandchildren, Philip, Anne, Dave, Joe, Liz, Russ, Matt, Andrew, Scott and Danielle; great-granddaughter, VerenaRae; and many, many friends who enjoyed Dale’s great sense of humor and full love of life. Hooray for Dale, hooray at last!

Private funeral services were held Thursday. Burial was at Guardian Angels Catholic Cemetery, Chaska.

Funeral arrangements were with the Bertas Funeral Home of Chaska, Minn. For more information, call 952-448-2137.