Dale Stern, 72
Dale Lee Stern age 72, of Mitchell, S.D., died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, Nov. 22 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Mitchell, with burial at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria, S.D.
Dale Stern, son of Walter and Adella (Schuler) Stern, was born Feb. 5, 1952 in Parkston, S.D. He grew up on a farm east of Parkston until 1966 when the family moved to Freeman, S.D. Dale graduated from Freeman High School in 1970. Dale served in the US Navy and was honorably discharged.
Dale was united in marriage with Marlys Kay Fuhrman on April 6,1974 at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church in Alexandria. The couple lived in Freeman for a short time and then moved to Dimock, S.D., and lived there for 13 years, later moving to rural Ethan, S.D. in 1987.
Dale raised sheep and owned and operated a light carpentry business part-time with his wife, Marlys from 1987 to 2005. Dale was employed at A.M.P.I. in Freeman, M-Tron Industries in Parkston, Ethan Coop Lumber, and Aurora Plains Academy. He served as a Branch Office Supervisor/Manager for Rural Office of Community Services for 23 1/2 years in Mitchell. Dale worked for FHA parttime and Home Instead Senior Care Network in the Mitchell area for three years.
Dale served on the Davison-Hanson County Federal Emergency Management Association Board of Directors from 1982 to 1989 and the Habitat for Humanity Board.
Dale sold his farm acreage in 2005. He worked for Dakotabilities, and later bought Prairie Homes Assisted Living and renamed it Tender Heart Assisted Living, where he served as owner and administrator from 2006 to 2010.
He enjoyed antique memorabilia and was a member of the Allis Chambers Tractor Club in Iowa. He was a certified master gardener working in Kennebec and Platte. Dale completed a 10-week citizen police academy training in Mitchell and served on the Mitchell Committee Board. He was currently working with CASA.
Survivors include his sister, Arliss Wenzel and her friend Stuart Heckenlaible, Freeman; brother-in-law, Dave (Diane) Fuhrman, Huron, S.D.; and three nephews, Tyler Wenzel, Andy (Lauriann) Fuhrman and Brian (Heather Swenson) Fuhrman.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; his parents; and a brother, Allen.
