Dale B. Andrews

Dale was born February 17, 1944 to Anne (Baragar) and Ward Andrews.

After graduating from South High School, Dale enlisted in the US Air Force. He proudly served the country that he loved until his honorable discharge in 1966. Dale was one of the most patriotic persons you could meet. He loved his country and the American flag. He carried flag pins with him and passed them out, especially to those that took time to serve others.

When Dale was 15, he was roller skating at Nieboers Roller Rink and met Terry Bliss. They immediately became best friends. It didn’t take long for them to realize they were soulmates and destined to be together always. The happy couple married on May 5, 1967 and were the definition of unconditional love. They grew together rather than apart sharing the same interests from family, to cars, to arts.

Over the years, Dale used his many talents to support his family. He owned two Marathon gas stations from which he earned the nickname “Marvin Marathon”.

Both, Dale and Terry, were talented artists. They spent over 20 years traveling the country under the name Country Carvers. Starting with carving intricate candles, to furniture, to eventually doing carousel horses which Terry painted.

With a passion for cars, Dale and Terry were among the founders of the Grand Rapids Corvair Club in the 60’s, and in the 90’s, the West Michigan Old Speckled Hens MG Club (Specklies) for MG enthusiasts in the Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. He also enjoyed motorcycles and as a reward for being the first ever to climb a dauntingly steep hill near Baldwin, it was named Marvin’s Hill and remains so today.

HIs knowledge of and ability to repair and restore cars, landed him his last job as a caretaker of an extensive vintage car collection.

At the end of the day, family was the most important thing to Dale. He was a devoted husband of 57 years, regularly bringing flowers (mostly roses) and other types of endearments to Terry. He was a loving dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He was proud of each and every one of them. Just ask him!! Attending everything from soccer games, cross country and track meets, wrestling matches, to gymnastics competitions. He spread humor and encouragement wherever he went.

He enjoyed Country music and dancing, anything with a motor, a good joke, and a good practical joke...all of which he passed on to his family.

Dale had friends from all walks of life. If you were lucky enough to have him as a friend, you would be subject to mischievous humor and practical jokes, and adventures of all types, but most of all, to a caring, helpful, true friend. Need help, call Dale.

Terry would like to thank the Corewell Visiting Nurses that truly cared about him these last few years.

He will be missed by all those that had the privilege to know him.

Dale’s Motto: “Make Someone Smile Today,” so please do so.

Besides his wife Terry, Dale is survived by his daughters Kim and Brooke Andrews, grandchildren Cory Andrews and Crystal (Blaine) Fehsenfeld, great granddaughters

Aubrey Andrews, and Zoey and River Fehsenfeld. By his brother Ron (RaeAnn), niece

Lisa (Eric) Hartshorn, and nephew Eric as well as many other relatives.

Visitation to be held October 9th 4pm to 7pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel, where a memorial service will be held October 10th at 12 pm with visitation one hour before.

Memorial donations in memory of Dale, may be made to the Grand Rapids Veterans Home