Kenneth A. "opa" Dale

Kenneth A. "OPA" Dale
Gladstone, MI
Kenneth A. "OPA" Dale, 60, of Gladstone, passed away naturally, Sunday June 8, 2014, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Ken was born March 25, 1954, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Warner and Gudrun (Schrepfer) Dale. He was raised in Evansville and was a 1972 graduate of Harrison High School. Following high school, Ken went on to attend the University of Evansville where he graduated and received his bachelor degree. On May 29, 1976, Ken was united in marriage to the former Kimberly Pickens, in Evansville, before attending I.U.P.U.I graduate college, where he received his master degree. In 1994, Ken and Kim relocated to Gladstone where they have made their home and raised their family. Ken was employed as a sales manager at Besse Forest Product for many years. As a representative at Besse, Ken was fortunate to have traveled throughout the world for business. He retired in 2001. Ken was an accomplished antique collector throughout his entire life. In his younger years, he owned and operated a small antique store, in Evansville, and was fortunate to have traveled to Europe and abroad to purchase antiques and coins. Ken loved his family, grandchildren and "Bonus Family". Additionally, he made many friends and will be deeply missed by all.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Kim; son: Matthew (Loralee) Dale of Grand Ledge, MI; daughters: Sara (Joe) Larson of Brampton, MI and Hannah (Jason) Arkens of Gladstone, MI; grandchildren: Christopher and Nathan Dale, Alli and Brynlee Larson, and precious grandson, due in August, Benjamin Arkens; brother: John (Elizabeth) Dale of Kentucky Also surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Warner and Gudrun, Maternal and Paternal Grandparents and his Grandson, Nicholas Dale in 2008.
Ken's family will receive friends on Friday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at the United Evangelical Covenant Church in Gladstone. Funeral services, to celebrate the life of Kenneth A. "OPA" Dale, will follow visiting hours, at 6:00PM, at the United Evangelical Covenant Church, with Pastor Nathan Langager officiating. Luncheon will follow in United Evangelical Covenant Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be directed to the United Evangelical Covenant Church. Envelopes will be available throughout visitation and at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County. Messages of condolence may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com