Dale died at age 78 on November 16, 2018 following a brief illness. He was always fiercely proud of his Upper Peninsula Finnish roots. Having grown up in Alston, Michigan he treasured visits there several times per year. He and his elementary and high school classmates have remained close to one another for over 60 years.
Following graduation from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, he moved to Ann Arbor where he earned two Masters degrees from the University of Michigan. Dale began his career teaching middle and high school students. Later, armed with a Master of Library Science degree, he changed careers and worked at the University of Michigan’s Graduate Library as a cataloguer. In the mid 1970’s he discovered he enjoyed his hobby of piano tuning and repair far more than either cataloguing or teaching.
And so, the avocation became his profession. He built a successful and active business as a Registered Piano Technician tuning, repairing and restoring pianos for over 1200 clients across southeastern Michigan.
Dale is survived by his wife of 42 years, Prue. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn McCandless of Thiensville, Wisconsin, two nieces, and many cousins, including his special Ann Arbor cousin, Nancy Heikinen.
In keeping with his quiet nature, no memorial service is planned. A brief, small garden interment service in the Memorial Garden of First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor is planned for early December.
Gifts in Dale’s memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
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