Dale Wesley Aldrich

Dale Wesley Aldrich Dale Wesley Aldrich's sunrise on this earth was July 30, 1953. After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, his sun set on February 20, 2025. Dale had the strength and courage to share his journey openly, inspiring so many along the way. Dale was the third child of Wesley and Wauneta Aldrich. He grew up on the family dairy farm where he was busy with daily chores including milking the cows. Dale often remarked the work ethic he developed on the farm followed him throughout his life. Friends and family often referred to him as the energizer bunny. Dale graduated in 1971 from Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, Michigan before continuing his education at Argubright Business College, Kellogg Community College, and Western Michigan University. In 1982 and 1984 Dale was blessed with the births of his sons, Darin and Eric. They became the focus of his life. Dale had a passion for helping others which led him to a 28 year career at a local credit union where he made helping the members his main goal. During that time he raised his two boys and spent his evenings and weekends mowing lawns for neighbors, volunteering with local organizations (his local church, Boy Scouts, AYSO), and lending a hand to anyone he met in need. His dedication to helping others and his work ethic were hallmarks that characterized his life and were traits he passed on to his sons. In 2006 he met the love of his life, Sue Klassen. Once retired (2012) he married Sue and moved to Duck Lake, Albion, MI. Their marriage brought Sue's three children into his life. He grew to love them as his own never referring to them as step children. Following Sue's retirement in 2013 they moved to The Villages, Florida. They spent a total of 19 wonderful years together filled with love while exploring the world through trips and cruises. Dale also had a passion for flowers. He became a Master Gardener and put his knowledge into practice. He loved working in the soil with his hands to plant the most beautiful gardens. And although he felt uncomfortable cutting the flowers he often did so to fill a vase for Sue. Dale enjoyed living in the sun and warmth of Florida during the winter months, spending his time golfing, playing cards, playing pickleball and just sitting around chatting with friends, riding his motorcycle, and serving as the Treasurer for the Michigan Club. Summers were spent back at Duck Lake in the cute little blue cottage he helped to build. Those months were spent visiting with family and friends, boating, playing cards, playing pickleball, and loving on the grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Lyle. Surviving are his wife Sue, sisters Eileen(Stephen) and Winifred(Dave), sons Darin (Andrea), Eric (Emily), Drew (Sarah), and daughters Paige (Cam) and Janna (Rocky). He will be missed by his 10 grandchildren, Hayzel, Macey, Sophia, Norah, Delyla, Ava, James, Eliana, Emery, and Ensley. It was important to Dale that he be honored through JOYFUL celebrations of his life. Michigan's celebration will occur in June. Dale asked that his ashes not be returned to Michigan until the weather is warm, as he did not like to be cold! The details of that celebration in Michigan will be announced at a later date. A celebration of life in The Villages, FL will be Sunday, March 9th, 11:30-2:30 at the Rohan Recreation Center within The Villages. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider planting flowers, trees, or shrubs somewhere on your property. As you enjoy their beauty please think of Dale and remember time you spent with him.