Dale Bain

Dale Emery "Chubb" Bain, age 85, of Ramsey, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025.

Born on August 14, 1940, in Fremont Township, Winona County, Minnesota, Dale lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and a distinguished career in agronomy.

Dale grew up in Southeastern Minnesota and graduated from Lewiston High School. He ran the home farm in Fremont for a few years before going on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy from the University of Minnesota - a foundation that would launch a lifelong rewarding career in the seed industry. Beginning as a District Sales Manager, Dale steadily rose through the ranks holding positions that included Regional Sales Manager and Agronomy Manager working for Dekalb, Pioneer, Northrup King, and Gold Country Seeds. His expertise and leadership earned him continued recognition and awards for his contributions during his working years in the seed industry.

His work took him and his family across the upper Midwest-Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa-before they ultimately returned to settle in Minnesota. Throughout his career, Dale left an indelible mark not only through his professional accomplishments but also through the relationships he built. He was admired by colleagues and employees alike for his integrity, mentorship, and unwavering character. Many considered him not just a leader but a friend-someone who inspired others simply by being himself.

Dale's personal life was equally rich. He is survived by his devoted wife Jean Ann Bain; his son Jeffrey John Bain; stepchildren Erin (Scott) Kunzman and Erica (Dana) Buelow; grandchildren Tyler Bain; Kayla (Richard) Nusbaum; Devin (Colt) Mather; Mason Hanson; and A.J. Woody; step-grandchildren Erich (Katie) Kunzman; Cody (Alex) Kunzman; Ashly Reger; and Chelsea Reger; great-grandchildren Hunter, Bristol, and Caleb Nusbaum; Hudson and Sawyer Mather; and step-great-grandchildren Keeley, Jax, Millie, Nora, Carson and Lainey Kunzman; Kaia and Kyle Saylor.

He is also survived by his brother Neil (Vickie) Bain and sister-in-law Pat Miller.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Bain; his first wife Judith Bain; daughter Victoria Lynn Woody; siblings Robert (Gloria) Bain and Elaine Nelson; and brother-in-law Jack Miller.

A man of deep Christian faith, Dale regularly attended church throughout his life and often hosted home study groups. His spiritual commitment was evident not only in worship but also in how he treated others-with kindness, humility, and grace.

Outside of work and church, Dale found joy in simple pleasures: golfing with friends, fishing with his beloved son Jeff, or enjoying breakfast at the Lake Cafe in Big Lake. He cherished time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A loyal Gopher fan and lover of the outdoors, Dale approached life with optimism and warmth. He was known for being dependable-never late-and always friendly. His positive outlook was contagious; he had a rare gift for making those around him feel better just by being present.

Dale Emery "Chubb" Bain will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose and heart-a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, colleague, and friend. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

A Celebration of Dale's life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at The Lewiston Community Center from 12pm to 3pm.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.