Dale graduated from Mayville State College with a degree in business. After college, Dale moved to Edmore, ND, where he taught business, typing and drama, and started a football program. He met Jeannine Kuch in 1968, and they married in LaMoure, ND, in 1969.
They started their family in Mayville, welcoming Julie in 1974 and Kristi in 1977. Dale designed and built their first home. In 1981, the family moved to White Bear Lake, MN, and later to Aberdeen, SD, in 1983, as Dale advanced his career with Harvest States.
Dale later joined Super 8 Hotels, which eventually became Hospitality Franchise Systems (HFS). He remained with the company until retirement, ultimately serving as Regional Vice President of Franchise Sales. His career involved extensive travel, and he always let his family know when he arrived safely and expected the same in return.
Dale and Jeannine later divorced but remained committed to putting their daughters first and celebrating life’s milestones together as a family.
Dale earned his pilot’s license in high school and flew for most of his adult life. In 1997, he purchased a cabin on Deer Lake, MN, flying back and forth from Aberdeen almost every weekend. He eventually worked remotely from the cabin during his final years with HFS. It was his favorite place in the world, where he enjoyed coffee overlooking the lake, listening to loons and making Dale’s Norwegian Pickles.
In 2000, Dale met Marlis Himmel in New Jersey while traveling for work. He was immediately smitten, but Marlis took some convincing. After being turned down a couple of times, true to form, Dale left his Discover credit card at her workplace, giving her a reason to call him back. They eventually married at the lake cabin in August 2002.
Dale and Marlis built a life together at the lake, and he developed a close relationship with her children, David and Alexandra. Marlis crafted while Dale putzed. They traveled, snowmobiled, swam, fished and canned boatloads of pickles. More than anything, they enjoyed being together.
Dale loved being a grandpa to his eight grandchildren, although holding them as babies made him extremely nervous. He preferred telling stories, taking them out to dinner and, of course, having them help with his phone, printer and computer.
He took wonderful care of Marlis, especially as her health declined. His love language was letting her sleep late and making sure she was well fed; hers was staying out of the kitchen and sleeping late. When Marlis passed, a big part of Dale went with her.
Dale is survived by his former wife, Jeannine (Roger) Preszler; daughters, Julie Prokop and Kristi (Michael) Leth; stepchildren, Alexandra Himmel and David (Caitlin) Himmel; siblings, Ruby (Arvid) Michaelis, Michael (Sandy) Aasen and Patty (Doug) Kelleher; grandchildren, Jorgen, Mia, Nesaa and Beckett Hansen, and Jackson and Bo Leth; step-grandchildren, Leah and Maeve Himmel; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlis, and his parents, Gladys and Ernest Aasen.
Dad, no call required. We know you made it safely.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 14, 2026, Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Memorials can be designated to St. Judes Children’s Research.