Dale Franklin Robinson, 89, of Belle Fourche, SD, formerly of Ralph, SD, passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Belle Estate in Belle Fourche SD.
Private family service has been held.
Dale F. Robinson was born at the Reeder, ND, hospital. He attended grade school at Ramble Country School close to their home in Harding County.
As a very young child, he experienced the Dirty 30s. He helped herd sheep and cattle. At 9 years old, he cooked for a haying crew of 7 people. For meals he picked the garden vegetables, cleaned them, cooked them, and made home-made ice cream. He gathered eggs 4-5 times a day for 1000 chickens and showed a steer in 4H.
In fifth grade Dale started school in Buffalo, SD. Dale graduated high school in Ft. Collins, CO. Dale went on to graduate from A+M College in
Fort Collins, Colorado. Dale was involved with the Junior American National Cattlemen's Association. During college he went to the American National Cattlemen's Association Convention and was elected vice president. Dale was elected President of the South Dakota Stock Growers. In 1955 Dale moved to the ranch at Ralph, SD.
In 1965 Dale was instrumental in organizing the Ludlow Grazing Association. He served as the first secretary-treasurer of the association.
Dale has 3 children Kevin, Kirk, Kelli.
In 1999, Dale's mother, Anna's, health declined, and he moved to
Sturgis, SD, to care for his mom until 2009. Dale then moved to Belle Fourche, SD. He loved to garden, take care of his trees and flowers. He enjoyed spending time with his two grandkids and great grandkids.
Dale moved to Belle Estate in 2021. He continued his love for gardening with beautiful flowers. Dale enjoyed his time with staff and residents at Belle Estate.
Dale is survived by his sons, Kevin (Nola), Ralph, SD, Kirk (Denise), Ralph, SD, and daughter, Kelli of MT; grandchildren, Kruze (Bailey) of
Scranton, ND, and AbbaRae of
Bismarck, ND; and great grandchildren, twin girls, Presley Rae, and Peytyn Mae.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Anna (Smolnikar) Robinson – Davidson; stepfather, Oscar Davidson; brother, Dean Robinson; and former wife, Margaret (Smith) Robinson.