DALE A. ZOERB

Palmer resident Dale A. Zoerb, 47, died March 8, 2004, at Valley Hospital, after a courageous battle with colon cancer and multiple sclerosis.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Palmer. Rev. Jonathan Rockey will officiated. A celebration of life followed at 3 p.m. at the Palmer train depot.

Mr. Zoerb was born Dec. 1, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minn. He had lived in Palmer for 24 years. He worked as a corrections officer for the state of Alaska at Palmer Correctional Center for 20 years, retiring in 2002.

He enjoyed woodworking, being involved with the Boy Scouts with all of his sons and just being home.

His family wrote, "Dale was a wonderful husband, a loving dad and a great friend to many. He always had a positive attitude despite many medical setbacks and was truly a 'gentle giant' to be remembered."

Mr. Zoerb is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ginger; sons Kyle and David and son and fianc/e Andy Zoerb and Chenelle Linton, all of Palmer; mother Dorothy Zoerb of Minneapolis; sisters and brothers-in-law Donna and Tom Skuza of Becker, Minn., and Dawn and Jon Rasmussen of Kennett Square, Penn.; brother Donald W. Zoerb Jr. of Palmer; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mr. Zoerb was preceded in death by his father Donald W. Zoerb Sr. and sister Diane Thorson.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Palmer Mortuary.