Robert Peter Dale

Robert Peter Dale

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert P. Dale, who succumbed to complications of COPD on February 22, 2021.

Robert was born on March 4, 1944, to Theresa (Ellens) Dale and Vernon Dale in St. Paul, Minnesota. When Robert was 4 years old, the family moved to Mora, Minnesota, where he attended elementary through high school. Robert served in the US Army from 1961-1964, where he was primarily stationed in Germany. After returning home from the Army, he met his loving wife of 52 years, Loretta (Unger) Dale.

His love for the outdoors and thirst for adventure brought him to Alaska in the spring of 1971. He worked as a meat cutter for Family Market in Anchorage and later at the Fort Richardson commissary. After retirement, his inability to sit still drove him to his next career as a bus driver for the Head Start program in Anchorage and later Wasilla. His humor and dedication to his “little window lickers” earned him the bus driver of the year award in 2007.

Robert’s main passions were family, friends and fishing. He spent much of his free time at his cabin in Ninilchik, where he enjoyed taking family and friends halibut fishing on his boat. Robert was never at a loss for words and was a very lively character. He always had a story to share, and many of his stories became more elaborate and colorful as the years went on. He will be remembered for his quick wit and story telling along with his loving heart for family and friends.

Robert is survived by his wife, Loretta, of Wasilla; daughters, Karri Dale Crosley and Kristine Dale Schwankl, of Anchorage; grandchildren, Rachel & Sarah Crosley and Jessica & Zachary Schwankl of Anchorage; son-in-law, Daniel Crosley, of Big Lake; brother, Melvin, and wife, Pat Dale of Plymouth, MN; brother, John, and wife, Peg, of Zimmerman, MN; and sister, Judy Hoene, of Burnsville, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theresa and Vernon Dale; brothers, Rich and Gerald Dale: and son-in-law, David Schwankl Jr.

Robert will be laid to rest in Mora, Minnesota, later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.