Dale George Dakins

Dale George Dakins, age 86 of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House on Thursday, March 16, 2023.  Dale was born February 28, 1937, in Plover, Wisconsin to the late George and Mae (Clendenning) Dakins. Following his graduation from high school, Dale answered the call of his country and enlisted in the US Army where he served in the 101st Airborne division until his honorable discharge in 1959. On June 17, 1961, he married the former Ms. Nancy Louise Steenbeke at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka.  They celebrated 60 years of marriage prior to Nancy’s passing in December of 2021.

Surviving are his children David (Jeri) Dakins of Port Charlotte, Florida, Paul (Jenny) Dakins of Mishawaka, Susan Dakins of Mishawaka, Jackie (Eric) LeSage of Elmhurst, Illinois, and Kimberly (Robert) Woelfel of Acworth, Georgia.  Surviving as well are six grandchildren: Nicholas (Manda Dixon),  Abigail, Charlotte, Sawyer, Hunter and Logan and his great-granddaughter, Chloe.  Dale is also survived by his sisters Diane (John) Goeller and Nancy (Jim) Snyder, both of Mishawaka.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Gail Dakins and his sister Cleo Dakins.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Wells and Cruz (formerly Goethals and Wells) Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home with Rev. Christopher Lapp presiding.  Interment and military honors will be rendered at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola at a later date.

Dale was employed as a field supervisor for Century Homes for over 33 years prior to his retirement. During his time on the job, he was a member of the Carpenter’s Union and he truly loved going above and beyond for the families he served by listening to their needs as he built their forever homes. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed watching Westerns and listening to Johnny Cash, eating chocolate chip cookies and helping Nancy in the yard.  Dale also loved spending time outdoors in the sunshine and picking strawberries for Nancy’s famous jams and jellies.  Dale also enjoyed working on his home, remodeling it several times throughout the years. 

He will be remembered for his straightforward demeanor. Everyone knew where they stood with Dale, and he often struck up a conversation with a stranger who soon became a friend.  He loved to laugh and share his sense of humor with others, telling jokes and keeping those around him in good spirits.

In his memory, donations may be made to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, or the Center for Hospice. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Dale’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.

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