Dale was born at home on Washington Street on Jan. 8, 1933 and was a graduate of Central High School. He served in the Korean War conflict, and married the former Joan Emerson in 1957. Dale worked at Traverse City Iron works until they closed the location, and then was one of the first employees at AlcoTec Wire and worked in the maintenance department until his retirement.
He loved building things out of wood for the grandchildren like sleds, rocking horses, chalkboards, toy boxes, etc. He also enjoyed attending classic car shows and working in his yard.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years Joan, children; Vicki Nichol, Dennis, James, Ronald (Melanie), and David (Lynn) Gary. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Alison (John) Metiva, Joshua (Michelle) Gary, Margie Bruner, Donny Nichol, Casey (Pete) Lhamon, Michael (Cassandra) Gary, Andrew (Jessica) Gary, Jamie Gary, Connie Nichol, Brandon Gary; great-grandchildren, Tristan, Adrienne, Nora, Everett, Avery, Julia, Sophie, LilliAnna, Joshua and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Margery Gary, brothers Lyle, Francis, Norman, and sisters Helen Shelnutt and Maxine Clark and great grand baby Jaxon Gary.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13th at 12:00 noon at the Covell Funeral Home, 232 E. State St, Traverse City. Visitation at the funeral home will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial with military honors will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. A heartfelt thank you to all the nurses from Great Lakes Home Health Care over the past months, especially Sara.
Memorial contributions in his memory appreciated to the Fr. Fred Foundation, 826 Hasting St. Traverse City, MI. 49686.
DONATIONS
Fr. Fred Foundation826 Hastings St., Traverse City, Michigan 49686
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18