Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
A memorial service for Dale H. Heitritter was held Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin. Sheri and Rick Blevins officiated.
Honorary pallbearers were Dale’s beloved grandchildren. Interment will be at a later date in St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery at Boyden, with military graveside rites conducted by Melvin American Legion, Reed Guthrie Post #470. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Dale Hugo Heitritter was born Jan. 14, 1939, to William Heitritter and Meta (Stegeman) Heitritter at Boyden. In 1942, he moved with his parents to Melvin where he attended and graduated from Melvin High School in 1957.
Dale enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation and served as a weapons mechanic until his honorable discharge in 1962. He was united in marriage to Marlene Kay Bieser on Jan. 9, 1959 at the Melvin Lutheran Church in Melvin.
Dale was a Boy Scout leader, a 4-H leader, and was active with the Extension Service. He served on the local elevator board as well as the American Lutheran Church council, holding the position of president for both. He was an active member of the American Legion in Melvin, an insurance agent and raised hogs for Farmer’s Hybrid, but above all he was a farmer.
He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, giving them tractor rides and lawn mower rides around the farm. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren considered him their hero, as he would go swimming with them, play on the floor with them and make each of them feel special. Dale was an avid reader, loved to be outdoors and always enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives. He could talk with anyone about anything and would always put a smile on your face.
Dale went to be with his Lord on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at the age of 81 years, eight months and 11 days.
Dale is survived by his wife, Marlene; two sons: Steve (Sandy) and David (Becky), both of Melvin; two daughters: Deb (Cory) Van Driel, of Isle, Minn.; and Sheri (Rick) Blevins, of Broken Arrow Okla.; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; his sister, Kathryn Roberts, of Chadron, Neb.; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; three brothers: Vernon, Wilfred and Carol; and his sister, Ruth. He will be greatly, greatly missed, as he was taken way too soon. He will be remembered for his loving smile, his patience and guidance, and his unswerving faith in God.
