Jeffrey Jacob Dale

Jeffrey (Jeff) Jacob Dale, age 75, of Minnetonka, passed away July 26, 2024, from a terminal lung illness. Jeff was born to Dorothy (Jettenberg) Dale and Gordon Dale in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was the second of five boys and lived in Saint Paul, Worthington, and Pequot Lakes. He also lived a short time in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jeff's parents ran a resort in Ideal Corners, and Jeff spent many hours there playing with his cousins, swimming, and driving boats. He went to Pequot Lakes High School where he was All-Conference in basketball, played on the undefeated nine-man football team in 1965 and 1966, and graduated as Valedictorian in 1966. During his high school years, he worked his way up to the Assistant Cook position at the Norway Ridge Supper Club. Jeff's love of cars began with a 1947 Blaze Red Studebaker during his high school years. Over his lifetime he would go on to admire and drive various cars including favorites like a red 1965 Triumph Spitfire, a 1968 MGB, and a black Mazda Miata convertible. Jeff received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bemidji State College, majoring in History and Political Science. He was an active member of the Phi Sigma Chi Fraternity where he made lifelong friendships. Jeff met Katy Kroll working at Breezy Point Resort during their college summers. He worked as a chef preparing lobster, duck, and prime rib for guests, while Katy worked as a waitress. The two were married in 1975 and have had 49 years of memories together. During the 1980s and 1990s, Jeff and Katy had 3 children while living in Southwest Minneapolis and later Edina. Jeff worked as an Auditor, Underwriter, Inspector, and Independent Insurance Agent, handling all lines of insurance including bonds and commercial insurance. He won Salesman of the Year during his rookie year. When he retired, he went on to work at a senior living community part-time for many years. Fondly known for his sense of humor, Jeff enjoyed spending time at the lake, eating street tacos, watching Minnesota sports, and joking with his friends. He took a keen interest in repairing and collecting watches. He also enjoyed the culture and décor of the American Southwest and Mexico. He loved the Minnesota Twins for their entire franchise history. Though Championship seasons were few in number, he remained a fan of all Minnesota college and professional sports teams. Jeff believed that his family and God's grace made life worth living. He celebrated both through his quiet spirituality. Jeff will be remembered for the laughter and smiles he brought to everyone he met. The family especially wants to thank the new friends made through Allina Palliative Care, Complex Care for Seniors, and Hospice Care Teams. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gary and Steve. Survived by wife of 49 years, Katy; daughters, Emily and Julia; son, Jack (Marianne); grandchildren, Cailin and Ronan, who brought a cheerful spark and light to his life; brothers, Brett and Jon (Kate); and many nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors, and friends. Memorial Service, Saturday, August 10 at 11am, with visitation at 10am, and lunch immediately following the service, all at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996.

Tributes

Jeffrey Jacob Dale

October 15, 1948 - July 26, 2024

Tributes

Jeffrey Jacob Dale

October 15, 1948 - July 26, 2024

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