Dale H. Pretzer
Dale H. Pretzer, Sr., age 82, of Carrington, ND, died August 14, 2012, at the Carrington Health Center after a brief hospitalization. Dale Harold Pretzer was born January 1, 1930, in Velva, ND, to Sidney and Esther (Olson) Pretzer. He grew up in Velva and enjoyed outdoor activities during his boyhood, especially hunting and fishing. After graduation from Velva High School, Dale joined the U.S. Navy in 1948, serving his country during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1952, he attended the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, earning a Two-Year Drafting and Estimating Trade degree. In 1954, Dale began employment at Patterson Lumber in Rugby, ND, as a draftsman/estimator. He married Inez Marie Shaw in 1955, and then moved his family to Carrington, ND, in 1958 where he was employed by Schulz Lumber as a draftsman/estimator. After Dale’s first wife’s passing, Dale met and married Dorothy Mae (Duursma) Rafferty, a widow with 2 girls and 1 boy, who with Dale’s 3 boys, formed a new family with 6 children that were 5 years old and younger. They were then blessed with another 3 children over the next 8 years. Both Dale and Dorothy were firm believers in enjoying family time together and ensured that family events and outings were a common occurrence. He and Dorothy always had a big garden, which was a great source of relaxation for Dale, even in his later years. Dale began employment with Cash & Carry Lumber in New Rockford, ND, in 1991, after accepting an offer to help found and establish that business where he initially worked as a full-time draftsman/estimator, salesman, and bookkeeper. After Dorothy’s passing in 2000, Dale began easing into part-time status at the lumberyard and finally retired completely in 2010 at age 80. In his later years, Dale remained an ardent hunter and fisherman. He was also a life-long card player, which he passed on to most of his children, and which kept him socially active with his friends in Carrington. Dale also enjoyed an occasional casino trip. Dale is survived by three daughters, Vickie (Dennis) Quast, Dos Palos, CA, Joanne Helfrich, Carrington, ND, and Roxanne Pretzer, El Paso, TX; five sons, Greg (Diane) Pretzer, Madison, AL, Rickie (Becky) Pretzer, Carrington, ND, Scott Pretzer, Fort Pierre, SD, Dale “Buddy”(Greta) Pretzer, Jr., Bakersfield, CA, and Rev. Michael (Alecia) Pretzer, Rugby, ND; and one sister, Lois Effertz, Minot, ND. Dale had 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Inez, his second wife, Dorothy, and his son, David. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND, and Carrington Health Center, Carrington, ND, for their compassionate care, and also the many friends who stopped by to wish Dale well during his final days.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND DATE AND TIME: Friday, August 17, 2012 - 3:30 PM BURIAL: Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, ND |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Sherri McDowell
Date: 8-20-12
Message: Prayers and Blessings to all who shared in Dales life. He was my Dads Jerry CMcDowell,Velva)it has been many years but I still remember him and his smile and that he was genuine in his laughter.May your sadness be followed by smiles and memories of good times shared.
Sherri McDowell
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Name: Rueben and Margaret Perttula
Date: August 18, 2012
Message: Buddy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad and difficult time. We express our sincere condolences to the entire family. may God Bless you and give comfort. Rev. Rueben and Margaret Perttula,
Mari and Mark Perttula
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Name: Greta Pretzer
Date: August 18, 2012
Message: Bud, Scott, Greg, Rick, Mike, Joanne, Roxanne, and Vickie
Adam and I send our deepest condolences to you,, family and friends of your dad. Dale was a good father, husband, grandparent and friend. He will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the memories of your dad stay with you always in your heart. All our love, Greta and Adam
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Name: Robert McMillen
Date: August 17 2012
Message: My sincere condolences for the family. Mr Dale H. Pretzer Sr, has truly planted that seed that now provides the comfort and shade for those who seek and rest under it.
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Name: Keith Marshall
Date: 8/17/12
Message: Greg and Family,
Please accept my condolences for your loss. Knowing the great foundation provided by your wonderful Dad, I can see where you get your great qualities from. God Bless you and your family at this time.
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Name: Wanda Zacher
Date: 8/16/2012
Message: So sorry for your loss Greg and Diane. May the Lord help you through this time of sorrow. You are in my prayers. Wanda Z
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Name: Susan Bednarz & Family
Date: 8-16-2012
Message: Rev. Mike - our condolences to you and all of your family. We're sorry to hear about your father's passing. You were a great comfort to our family during Mother's illness and passing - she loved her visits with "Pastor Mike"!
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Name: Lynette & Lee Shattuck
Date: 08/16/2012
Message: thoughts and prayers are with the family, always enjoyed visiting with him and all of the family, blessing to all
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Name: June Peterson
Date: 8-16-2012
Message: Remember all our great times- Love to all of you kids- we always had a super time when we would come to visit and when you would come to Velva- Stay strong - Keep in touch Love ya---June
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Name: Pat and Ron Gienger
Date: Aug 15 2012
Message: Our Prayers go out to you and your families. Sorry we will not be able to make the funeral. May God Bless each and everyone of you.
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Name: Tina Hermanson
Date: 8-15-2012
Message: Pretzer family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So sorry for your loss. It has been a tough year for all.
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Name: John Nicely
Date: 15 August 2012
Message: Greg - Our prayers go out to you and your family. May God bless all the good memories you have of your Dad..... John Nicely
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Name: John Brown
Date: 8-15-12
Message: What a wonderful father to the Pretzer family. His love and care will be deeply missed. We will be thinking and praying for you during this time of sadness.
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Name: Kathleen and Frank
Date: 8-15-2012
Message: Vicki and Rick, sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. May you be blessed with good memories and God's promise of eternal life. Sorry I missed you at the office Vicki. I'll be back Saturday if you happen to still be in town.
Blessings