Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dale Hedtke Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michelle Applegate
September 30, 2020
Dearest Dale,
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you n I miss you very much!
November 7, 2013
Dale, missing you as much today as I did the day you left us for a better heavenly way of another life. As I am sure you know by now that my mom passed away May 13th 2013~~in a nursing home in Robinsdale,(Crystal Mn.) She had throat cancer, which became terminal ~~because she had a brain injury from a major stroke. Because of this she fooled and lied to all of us~~but left 1 medical condition out ~~She had stopped receiving her kidney dialysis, meaning the cancer became terminal. Just 20~possibly thirty days after the cancer became terminal she slipped into a coma, do to toxic chemicals shutting down her vital organs. Never thought I would have the kind of feelings I am going through. Well my friend, I had better get moving along shoot it's almost noon. Love and miss you ~~ Michelle Applegate. November 13th of 2013.
October 1, 2013
It was 5 years ago today that you left us. There is not a day that goes by that we don't think about you and miss you. Peace be with you - Tracy & Dan & Lindsay & Tyler
michelle applegate
January 3, 2012
Dearest Dale:
The years go by and yet the painful loss still remains!!! I am so thankful for your family contacting me and letting me know that they were keeping this guest book open and for notifying me and allowing me to access what are very private thoughts. Your family--though we have not met have given me what I consider a valuable gift that I cherish so to Nila, Dan, Tracy, Tyler, Lindsay, Chris, and Emma, Mike & Linda, Ashley, Angie, Toby and Carter I thank each and everyone of you for allowing me to remember your loved one whom I loved as my friend!!! What you all might not know was Dale was a father figure for me for well over 20 plus years!!! My father whom passed away in 2007 was never a father figure and your dad, father, brother, son ect...I feel rescued me from myself and tought me what I needed to know to pursue a new career as a Bail Bonds Agent!!! As well as going back to school for criminal justice P.I. to be exact--focusing on cold "missing person's (children)"cases. I am a disabled (due to Brain tumor in 2004) which was the year that "our beloved Dale had his 1st T.M.I. (mini stroke)was in Abbott Hospital while attempting to come visit me after my 2 craneotomies (actual Skull bone removal)so we both ended up in the hospital a floor apart and until I was released 14 days later from I.C.U. he phoned my room!!! I was of course glad to hear from him, yet heart sick that he had suffered his own critical medical issues himself. See the one thing Dale new was MY MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE and his PRIDE and the certain RULES and REGS. of his Profession "NOT SHOWING WEAKNESSES" in his final days DALE refused to let me see or speak with him because I might see a weakness and he had always been the "positive and that fatherly much respected MAN" whom took me under his wing and never asked for anything in return. So please, please hear my words--He was truely in my eyes an angel and this is why---YOU HIS FAMILY whom even though we have never formerly met I wish to share this with you now so you can smile and say with PRIDE "THAT'S OUR BELOVED FATHER, HUSBAND, BROTHER, and if I have missed anyone I am sorry I do not know anyone of you but rest peacefully and enjoy your "NEW YEAR" knowing your dad saved a life in which at 1 (one) point could very easily have been taken by my own hand from YEARS of MENTAL, PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL ABUSE!!! He never asked me for anything. Not being able to see him before his passing or not knowing of his funeral services, I thank each and everyone of you for allowing me to talk to you and have some comfort with this site for some type of closure!!! I would love to meet any of you and please never hesitate to shoot me an e-mail @ [email protected] is my BUSINESS e-mail in which I only give to those whom truly wish to reach me and the previous gmail account is still in place however I only use this as kinda a "junk" and if I CHOOSE to provide services in AIDING disabled people find the tools they need to obtain Social security ect...
RESPECTFULLY
Your friend,
Michelle----LOVE & MISS YOU DAILY DALE!!!!!!!!!
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Daryl Hedtke
June 7, 2011
Thinking of you on your birthday,sure
miss you dad!
Daryl
michelle applegate
February 22, 2011
Just a quick hello god knows I pray alot when a situation arises and if only you were here I here myself say!!! I miss you like every day
your friend
Michelle
Don Wood
December 9, 2010
You left to soon.Miss the late and middle night conversations.We missed you and Nila at Ma's on Thanksgiving again.You are in our hearts.But you are in a better place. < Don
October 1, 2010
It was two years ago today you lost your battle with cancer, we made you a promise and today we fulfilled that promise, we hope you can now rest a little easier, many tears today but many, many more laughs, we all love you and we're always thinking of you, Nila, Dan & Tracy, Tyler, Lindsay, Chris and Emma, Mike & Linda, Ashley, Angie, Toby and Carter
Jacque Sly
June 22, 2010
My Dearest Dale, So much has happened in my life and so often I wanted to call my friend whom I could share everything with I still cannot believe you our gone. But my mom always said God takes those he loves most first. I will never fill the hole in my heart for a wonderful friend that always had time to listen. So thank you my friend for all the laughter compassion and understanding that you gave me You by far were the BEST.
November 9, 2009
Dad,
I think this has been the hardest on me, you and i had a special bond, no one can take away from me.
I think of you often and have'nt had the heart to remove your number from my phone.
At this point in my life, i feel i have no one to turn to, you were the only one i could say anything to and you would understand and not judge my thinking or actions.
you were a great father, and no one can say you wer'nt.
your gone now and all i have is memories of the past, and good memories they were.
You live on in my thoughts, but i still feel empty.
If you asked me if my cup was half full or half empty, its half empty.
Love and miss,
Mike.
October 1, 2009
Dad,
Thinking about you this past week as the one year anniversary of your passing is approaching. I can't believe an entire year has gone by.
I just returned from a trip visiting David and Daryl and we spoke of all the memories of you throughout the years. We miss you.
You are with the Lord and someday soon we will be re-united in Heaven. What a great reunion that will be!
Love,
Debbie
October 1, 2009
Grandpa,
I can't believe a year has passed already....I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you on this day....I miss you!
Love,
Lindsay
October 1, 2009
Dear Dale-- One year has come yet im sure it's safe to say that everyone whom new and loved you still miss your smiling face. Ithink of you often,and have found myself several times reaching for the phone to call you,only to stop and think i can't do that anymore. This really sucks!!! However,since your passing i have used several of the talents you tought me throught the 20++years I worked for you,and all the verbel lessons via:the late night phone calls we had. Ijust can't believe your gone. You were like a father figure for me,as you new what my dad was like. I could always count on you! Now the both of you are gone, along with alot more of my family that passed within the same time frame as you. I just have one wish and that would have been to say good by and have a save journey to im sure a much better place than this sick world. This may sound corny, but you know my native american roots,and that we believe our beloved departed ones are always with us. would you please tell my loved ones that i miss them and love them as well. Well my good friend it looks as if this may be the last chance i get to add to your guestbook,this will probably be the last chance i get to put my words down to you on paper/computer. Bless you my friend,and just know there is'nt a day that goes by that you don't pop into my head. you were one of the best friends i've ever had. Im happy that you are no longer in any pain,as you did not deserve that,and it sounds like you slipped away with the angels in your sleep and that is just the most peaceful way/The R.E.P.O. way to do it!!! when know one expects it!!! Forever in my heart/mind your friend Michelle Applegate
September 1, 2009
Great Grand-daughter Emma, born 6-12-09
August 18, 2009
Your great grand-daughter you didn't get to meet...little Emma born 6-12-09
August 18, 2009
michelle applegate
December 27, 2008
dale, just want you to know that i am thinking of you over the christmas holidays. miss you like crazy. remember the repo we were out on in zimmerman, mn.? when you had so much faith in your gps system? i found the address without the gps system. well guess what my hubby got me for christmas.... a gps system. guess what...i cant even operate it yet. just a memorie i thought of when trying to operate my new toy. still missing you, your friend michelle.
Michelle Applegate
December 2, 2008
Dale,where does one begin? you and i go back over 20 years,yet its as if we knew each other forever.It is extremely hard to accept your loss.you gave me wisdom,self esteem,and courage to stand up for myself.I never got to meet any of your family,however the pride definatley showed when you spoke of them.I hold alot of awsome memories of many a late nights of staking out our cars we were looking for.Heck even a horse trailor or two.Unfortunatley because I didnt know any of your family,nor did they know me I missed your celebration of your life. I didnt find out you became one of gods angels until November! Not a day goes by when i dont think about you. my condolences to all of the Hedtke family.We have never met yet we all have one thing in common our love for Dale! Rest in peace my beloved friend,and know that you are greatly missed! You by far were one of the strongest men I knew,and boy did i learn alot from you. but there is a void in my life now, just whom will i call at odd hours of the night, just to visit? good by for now my friend. we will meet again, in the next phase of this life cycle. Love, your friend Michelle Applegate.
Lisa Jacobs
November 17, 2008
Dear Hedtke Family,
What a great guy! Dale did work for me and many in the company I worked for over MANY years. He was a get it done guy in business and would do anything and brag greatly about his family.
I was always amazed at situations I would think were impossible and Dale never batted an eye and got it done, these situations were a challenge to him. He was entertaining and engaging and could drive a car like nobody's business! He also scared the heck out of me on at least one occasion while looking for a vehicle.
Heaven's activity and play list has greatly expanded.
Ruth Moberg
October 24, 2008
Nila & Family,
I will always have fond memories of Dale, his recovery stories, & all he taught our Collections group about the business in his visits to Norwest Bank. Dale was one of a kind. My prayers & thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Don
October 21, 2008
Everyone knows now what some of us have known for years.What a turely Great Great Man you were.Thank you for all you shared with Me.Thank You for the Holidays with Mom and Dad. Love is what I called it all along ,I know the truth. Thank You for all the late night Talks.God waited till the end to tell others.You will be missed so much.Love Your Bother and Friend.
Debbie Bona
October 9, 2008
Dad,
My heart swelled with pride when I heard the testimonies from your friends and business associates. Who knew you touched so many lives? God did-and He allowed it to be revealed at just the right time. This was such a blessing to me! I love you Dad and look forward to seeing you in heaven along with Grandpa and Grandma Hedtke.
Your daughter, Debbie
Dale's daughter, Debbie Hedtke-Bona
October 9, 2008
For Dale...
October 9, 2008
Dale's granddaughter - Jennifer in Switzerland with her boyfriend, Ruanne
October 9, 2008
Dale's granddaughter -- Jennifer in Switzerland
October 9, 2008
Dale's sons - David & Daryl Hedtke
October 9, 2008
Dora Hedtke
October 9, 2008
Dale, I will always cherish our time together, and will miss you deeply. It was so nice to hear how you touched so many hearts; I see where your children get it from -- I am very proud to be in the Hedtke family, and have the Hedtke name. We all look forward to seeing you in heaven. I Love You! Your daughter-in-law, Dora
Gina Hedtke
October 9, 2008
Dale, hearing about all of the wonderful things you did for others warmed our hearts. You are truly a great man and will be sorely missed. Love, Gina
michael paselk
October 9, 2008
Dad, Im lost and broken inside and the loss of you tears my heart out everyday,you will always be my number one!
you did alot of great things for so many and made us all proud.
I will see you later in heaven and we can talk like we used to,
love you.
Lindsay White
October 8, 2008
I love you grandpa...I'll always remember the fun times. I'll miss you....
Daryl Hedtke
October 8, 2008
Dad, I didn’t get up to tell a story or share thoughts about you with everyone at the service yesterday, it was too difficult for me at the time. It was nice to hear all the great stories that everyone shared about you. Dad, You not only touched my life, but so many others. I just want you to know that I love you and will miss you so much. I will cherish our times and conversations, together, they were so special. I can’t wait to see you in Heaven. I Love You, Your Son, Daryl
David Hedtke
October 8, 2008
My heart is heavy returning home from the funeral here in Houston....
The people who stood up and spoke about my father and their daily experiences with him was so wonderful. I felt those stories and want to thank everyone for sharing them with those who attended.
I loved my dad and thought too he was bigger than life but, God called him a little earlier than we all expected.....
Pastor Ivan was outstanding and I thank all involved for their efforts in remembering my fathers life......
Thank you.....David, Gina & Laura Hedtke
David Hedtke
October 8, 2008
My heart is heavy returning home from the funeral here in Houston....
The people who stood up and spoke about my father and their daily experiences with him was so wonderful. I felt those stories and want to thank everyone for sharing them with those who attended.
I loved my dad and thought too he was bigger than life but, God called him a little earlier than we all expected. IPastor Ivan was outstanding and I thank all involved for their efforts in remembering my fathers life......
Thank you.....David, Gina & Laura Hedtke
David Hedtke
October 8, 2008
My heart is heavy returning home from the funeral here in Houston....
The people who stood up and spoke about my father and their daily experiences with him was so wonderful. I felt those stories and want to thank everyone for sharing them with those who attended.
I loved my dad and thought too he was bigger than life but, God called him a little earlier than we all expected. I wish we could have
Pastor Ivan was outstanding and I thank all involved for their efforts in remembering my fathers life......
Thank you.....David, Gina & Laura Hedtke
Dale Hedtke's sons - Daryl & David Hedtke
October 8, 2008
Dale Hedtke's Great Grandson - Peyton Hedtke
Dora Hedtke
October 8, 2008
I love you Grandpa - Peyton Hedtke
Alexandra Meyers
October 7, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked at the tanning salon Dale came to and he had always been one of my favorite customers. He was such a kind soul.
Peggy Jensen-Elliott
October 6, 2008
Dear Nila, Mike, Dan and Family - Having been part of the family I know what a kind and caring man Dale was. I know that your hearts are heavy now and you are grieving. With the passage of time your load will be lighter and you will be left with memories instead. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jeannine Schultz
October 6, 2008
Dear Nila and Family,
I feel so bad that words can't express how sad I feel for all of you at the loss of your loved one. I know that Dale was tough on the exterior but soft as they come on the inside and he showed that to me many times. When I had a car accident he was willing to help me and kept checking in on me. I loved Dale as a friend and neighbor and will miss him. Please call on me for anything & I'll be there because I love you! Your neighbor and friend always... Jeannine
timothy beebe
October 6, 2008
I am so sorry Nila he was such a good man i always looked up to Dale
Dan and Mike my prayers for all of you god be with you at this time love always Tim beebe
Erich Paselk
October 6, 2008
Grandpa, I know we didnt get to see each other as often as we would have liked, but I want you to know that I thought very highly of you. I wish now that things were different. I can only remember the happy times we had getting together with family. I will miss you and I will never forget you!!!
Allan & Judy Elias
October 6, 2008
Dear Nila & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Dale was a great business neighbor and friend. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Shipley
October 6, 2008
You'll never be forgotten, Dale. You're contagious laughter and caring ways will linger in our hearts.
Peace & Love- Tina Shipley
Angela (granddaughter) and Toby wedding photo
October 6, 2008
Dale, Nila, Sons and daughter in-laws
October 6, 2008
Charmagne Jones
October 6, 2008
Dale was an amazing person with an unforgettable personality. It seemed like I knew him forever. I admired his stories, the way he made me laugh everyday, and his charm. He was a great friend of mine and gave priceless wisdom to everyone around him. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I am sorry for your loss.
Newleyweds Lindsay (granddaughter) and Chris
October 6, 2008
Dale's Granddaughters Ashley and Angie and Great Grandson Carter
October 6, 2008
DEE DEE TURNER
October 6, 2008
Sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of waiting on Dale at the credit union. Always happy with a smile on his face. That's how I am going to remeber Dale.
Dales dog Kenai One of his best friends ....
October 5, 2008
Dale and his boys - 2008
October 5, 2008
Dale and his boys !
October 5, 2008
Dan Pederson
October 5, 2008
To The Family of Dale, Thank you for all the wonderful stories that Dale shared with me about all of you, He took pride in his family also, maybe more than you all may know. He will be very missed by myself and family. He has been a source of moral strength and guidence throughout the years knowing him, truely one of a kind.... Goodbye friend-Ride Free
Ted LaFromboise
October 5, 2008
Dale stood by me for many years, always trying to encourage me to do better with my life. He was a pillar of support with my recovery in life. His strength and guidance will always be with me. My prayers are with everyone who has been affected by the loss of a him.
I will never forget you.
Melissa Magnuson
October 5, 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. I work at the Credit Union and talked to Dale almost daily for about 5 years. He was such a caring person, and I'll really miss his jokes and hearing about his crazy repo adventures. The world was a better place for him being in it.
Dale and Nila at Granddaughter Lindsay & Chris's Wedding in Duluth 9/30/08
October 5, 2008
Lindsey Brache
October 5, 2008
I have known Dale for most of my life. Him and my mother worked together for the past 20 years. He was a great friend to my mother and are family. We will miss him every day and think about him often. I will personally miss hearing his stories and getting his advice. Im blessed to have known him and greatful for everthing he did for my mother and are family. Thank you Dale!
Sheila Chambers
October 5, 2008
To Nila and all of Dale's Family,
I have very fond memories of Dale and his classy business from my days as a loan officer with Norwest Banks. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With Sympathy,
ed gregory
October 5, 2008
we go back 28 years. I always call him hedtke. He was a very hard worker and my friend. he used me for towing during the 80th and work with him in repoing during the 90s and 2000s. He was the best repo in the business.
Penny&Fritz Mclean
October 5, 2008
For as long as we have known Dale he has been special in our lives and I may speak for the entire family .Thankyou Dale and Nila for always attending special occasions and always making the day enjoyable .We will miss you much but will always remember you and keep you and your family in our thoughts. God bless you and keep you. Fritz&PennyMclean
Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results
Make a Donation
in Dale Hedtke's name
How to support Dale's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dale Hedtke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored