Dale Lee Frankforter

Surrounded by family, Dale Lee Frankforter passed peacefully at home on October 16, 2023 at the age of 81. A Colorado Springs native, Dale was born on February 28, 1942 to Dale Lewis and Alta Louise Frankforter and was the oldest of three boys. He graduated from Palmer High School and later from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Dale was employed as an Electrical Engineer at Colorado Interstate Gas Company for 30+ years, proudly designing and managing compressor station projects across multiple states. It was here that he met and married the love of his life, and wife of 49 years, Diane. Surrounded by all girls, from his daughters to granddaughters, he was very proud of their adventures and accomplishments.

Beyond his career and family, he enjoyed life most when it brought surprise and adventure, always taking, literally, the road less traveled. His many passions included hunting, camping, and fishing (with a highlight being a weeklong caribou hunt in Alaska), pastel artwork, music (always humming a tune), gardening, photography (never without a camera around his neck), politics, and the Denver Broncos. He also organized and participated in road rallies in his beloved Triumph Spitfire through the Pikes Peak Sports Car Club. Retirement kept him busier than ever, and you could find him RV’ing around the country with Diane, building and flying model airplanes, playing tennis, volunteering at church and endlessly fixing, building, and tinkering.

Dale loved life and was a man characterized by his amazing sense of humor. Quick witted and ornery, his unique mix of wisdom and hilarity were valued by those who knew him best. If you were lucky enough to have listened to one of his stories, you were better for it. Although his final years brought health challenges, he never lost that sense of humor, and his quick wit could always lighten the mood.

Dale leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Diane Frankforter; daughters Tammy Frankforter, Tracy Carpenter, Kristi (Gerrick) Claypool; and granddaughters Amanda Carpenter, Avery Claypool and Elise Claypool. He is also survived by his brothers David and John Frankforter, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Dale will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, followed by a reception from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dale can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Colorado chapter. (https://www.alz.org/co)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Frankforter family.