Dale E Simonson

Funeral services for Dale Simonson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2013 at Family Life Church with Pastor Marty Crump officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Dale E. Simonson, age 70, of Gillette, Wyoming died peacefully Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Pioneer Manor. Dale was born January 3, 1943 to Irma and Richard Simonson in Ada, Minnesota. Dale grew up in Ada with his twin brother, Dean Simonson and his sister, Barb Simonson (Larson) and attended school in Ada until his graduation from Ada High School in 1961. He then attended college at Mayville State Teaching College. Dale was an excellent athlete and was co-captain of the Mayville Comets football team. Dale met his wife, Bev Stamus (Sanders) while attending college. Dale and Bev were married June 1, 1965 and welcome their first son, Tim, later that year. Dale graduated from Mayville College in 1966 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree. He then went on to teach at Hillsboro, N.D. and Central Valley, N.D. In August of 1969, Dale and Beverly had their second son, Mike. They moved to Gillette where they both accepted teaching positions. Dale became a P.E. teacher and taught at Hillcrest Elementary and Paintbrush Elementary for 12 years. Dale then wanted to try something new that kept him busy all year and allowed him to be outside. He started working at Apache where he met many of his lifelong friends. Dale loved being outdoors. When his sons were younger he spent many weekends in the mountains, camping, fishing, and skiing. Dale was always on the go and never spent much time sitting still. In 1992 Dale took an interest in Harley Davidson motorcycles. He bought a rebuilt Harley just to see if he liked riding. Dale was soon addicted to riding his Harley and put at least 10, 000 miles a year on his bike. Dale loved riding with his friends and traveled to many parts of the United States on his bike.In 1997 he started working for Burlington Northern where he was employed until his death. Dale enjoyed doing many things aside from riding his Harley. He enjoyed working in the yard, traveling, family dinners, Wyoming Cowboy games and hanging out with his buddies at his favorite stomping grounds, The American Legion and Jakes Tavern. Dale also enjoyed spending time with his sons, Tim and Mike. He was very proud of their accomplishments and the men they had become. Dale also has three grandchildren, Ashley, Cole, and Kaden Simonson. He loved going to all their sports activities and cheering them on. Dale lived life to the fullest and didn't see much sense of growing old.Dale is survived by his sons Tim Simonson, Mike (Trish) Simonson, his former wife Bev Simonson-Sanders (Mel Sanders), three grandchildren, Ashley, Cole, and Kaden Simonson, sister Barbara (Craig) Larson, brother Dean (Julie) Simonson, and sister-n-law Doris Simonson. Dale is also survived by his nieces Stacey (Ryan) Bernhoff, Erin (Chris) Ellingson, Shelly (Jon) Ulven, nephew Troy Simonson, and many great nieces and nephews.Dale is preceded in death by his mother Irma Simonson, father Richard Simonson, and nephew Eric Larson.Memorials and condolences may be sent in Dale's name to the family in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences also may be posted at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716