Dale Richard Congdon

Dale Richard Congdon, age 96, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Born on June 24, 1930, in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Dale spent his childhood moving with his family through Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, and eventually Hopkins, Minnesota. At the age of 11, he developed a fascination with the night sky that would remain with him throughout his life. His dream was to become an astronomer, leading him to enroll at the University of Michigan in 1948 before transferring to the University of Minnesota. There, he assisted with astronomy research, proctored exams, and operated the department's refractor telescope. It was also at the University of Minnesota where he met Joan, the woman who would become his beloved wife, while she worked in the Physics Department supply room. To help pay for college, Dale worked for the City of Hopkins for three years. His studies were interrupted when he entered the United States Army in 1951 during the Korean War. After completing engineering training, he deployed to Japan and later to South Korea, where he served with Company C of the 62nd Construction Engineering Battalion. His work included bridge construction, and he was selected for an eight-man security team responsible for protecting heavy equipment and supplies from sabotage. Though military service changed the course of his plans, Dale accepted the future with quiet determination and honorably returned home in July 1953. After his military service, Dale began a career with Prudential Insurance Company, where he remained for 37 years until his retirement. Throughout his life, building connections with others was one of Dale's greatest joys. He was a devoted member of Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ, where he volunteered countless hours improving the church and its accessibility, sang in the choir, and helped fellow members in need. His spirit of service extended to Meals on Wheels, Store to Door, the Lake County Historical Society, and numerous community beautification projects in Two Harbors, Minnesota, where he and Joan cared for their cabin known as "Congdon's Little Mansion." Dale was also a lifelong writer, historian, and documentarian. His passion for genealogy inspired his first book, A Leland Journey, which chronicled his family's history. His second book, The Light on Agate Bay, preserved the history of the Two Harbors Lighthouse and its keepers. Even in his later years, Dale embraced new opportunities with enthusiasm. While living at All Saints Senior Living, he proudly joined the All Saints Coyotes, competing with other Lifespark senior communities throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, and became part of the Life Guard volunteer program. Two experiences brought him particular joy: returning twice to the University of Minnesota Astronomy Department to share memories from more than 70 years earlier and revisit the telescope he once operated, and in coordination with All Saints Senior Living and Dream Flights he experienced the adventure of a lifetime: a flight in a Boeing Stearman biplane. A self-described "trouble maker", those who knew Dale will remember his quick wit, grace, playful spirit, and unwavering joy no matter what life placed before him. Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Congdon; his parents, Claire and Ruth Congdon; and his brother, Kenneth Congdon. He is survived by his son, Dave Congdon (Sue); his grandchildren, Nicole Massey (Tom) and Justin Congdon (Christy); and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Robbinsdale Parkway United Church of Christ, 4200 Lake Road. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, with a light luncheon to follow. Interment will take place at Gethsemane Mausoleum on Rockford Road following the luncheon.

Dale Richard Congdon

June 24, 1930 - July 12, 2026

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