Dale Berthold Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Waite Funeral Home Medina on Aug. 28, 2025.
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With a sorrowful and heavy heart, we share that the beloved Dale Michael Berthold of Medina passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends. He was loved deeply and greatly by them all.
Dale was born on February 17, 1952, and raised in Columbia Station by the late Oliver and Evelyn (née Wohleber) Berthold. He was an amazing and loving son, sibling, husband, father, and grandfather. Dale and his wife, Christine (née Roth) Berthold, shared 55 years of marriage. His life was marked by devotion to family, loyalty to friends, and a steady sense of humor. He loved his family with all his heart.
Dale also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Over the years, he bonded with his sons, brothers, nephews, other family, and friends through these passions, sharing stories, laughter, and memories. He was a lifetime member of two local outdoor clubs, the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association and the Columbia Game Club, where he made many friends who shared his love for the outdoors and conservation. He was known for his humor, his orneriness, and his quiet care for the people around him.
A mason by trade, Dale worked hard and took pride in his work. During the summers, he often had his sons work alongside him as laborers. The work was demanding, but he wanted them to understand the effort it required and to encourage them to pursue school and professional careers. Those summers became lasting memories that reflected his quiet guidance and care. It was important to him that his sons understood the value of hard work and the worth of a dollar.
Dale cared deeply for his family. Even though his sons were good kids (mostly), he would stay up to make sure they arrived home safely and often reminded them to be respectful to others. He believed in the value of a firm handshake, looking a person in the eye, and removing a glove to show respect. His care was steady and unwavering, showing how much he loved his family. He especially loved his grandchildren and was proud of each of them.
He is survived by his sons and their families; Matthew Berthold and his wife Laura (née Willkomm), and grandchildren Addison, Brooklyn, Sophia, and Harper. Ryan Berthold and his wife Natalie (née Stiegele), and grandchildren Collin, Weston, and Julian. Kyle Berthold and his wife Niki (née Kelly), and grandchildren Sienna, Caleb, and Charlotte
Surviving siblings include his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Harry Schreck; his sister Evelyn Spooner; his brother Gary Berthold; his sister Carol and brother-in-law Steven Rudisill; and his brother Ron and sister-in-law Laura Berthold. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Ruth Berthold, his sister-in-law Gayle Berthold and his brother-in-law Rudy Gorning. In addition, he is survived by his special sister-in-law, Karen Roth, who was close to him for many years, and his lifelong best friend, Ken Zapier.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Evelyn Berthold; his siblings, Thomas Berthold, Linda Gorning, and George Berthold; as well as his sister-in-law Aster Berthold and his brother-in-law Andy Spooner.
Dale faced Lewy body dementia with courage and strength. The family thanks Hospice of Medina County for keeping him comfortable and treating him with grace and dignity in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) at 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Suite 105, Lilburn, GA 30047, or online at www.lbda.org/donate.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…" – Psalm 23
Family and friends are invited to an open visitation at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Valley City, on September 27, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., to share memories and celebrate Dale's life and faith. Light refreshments, including coffee, desserts, lemonade, and iced tea, will be served. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.