Dale Levern Skaalure, 95, longtime Big Sandy farmer, and recently of Helena, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Touchmark Memory Care in Helena. His loving wife of 68 years, Lorraine, was at his side. Born July 7, 1919, Dale was raised on his family’s farm southeast of Big Sandy. His time at Montana State College was interrupted by WWII, when he volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving as a soldier in a POW camp in Arizona. His engagement to Lorraine Omlie came to fruition in 1946 when they were married. After finishing his degree in Bozeman, the couple returned to the family farm to begin raising grain, cattle, and five children. Dale was always thankful for his wife, family, and God’s blessings.
Dale was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy for decades, holding leadership positions in the congregation, serving in the Montana Synod, and attending the Lutheran World Federation meeting in Helsinki in 1963. Besides church leadership, Dale was a 60-year charter Big Sandy Rotarian, serving as Montana’s Rotary District Governor in 1986-87.
Dale was elected to the Chouteau County commission in 1966 and served the next 18 years (3 terms). He was elected to MACo and NACo, the Montana and National commissioners organizations. He even met two presidents: Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
Dale enjoyed singing out of the church hymnbook and the Rotarian songbook and was always ready to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” The family thanks the staffs of Touchmark Memory Care and Hospice of St. Peter’s for all the wonderful care.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Crist and Ethel Skaalure and his sister, Thelma (Lawrenson) and son-in-law, Dennis (Signe) Stevens. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Omlie) and children: Arne (Cindy) of Plymouth, MN; Signe Stevens of Bridger, MT; Kirsten (Ron) Hoffarth of Langdon, ND; Kevin (Kristi) of Helena, MT; and Heidi (Craig) Sneltjes of Shoreview, MN. He is also survived by his longtime farming and ranching partner, his brother Glenn (Jere) and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Dale’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27th at Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Avenue. A reception will immediately follow the service in the social hall at the church. Private interment will be Friday at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Memorials can be made to donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Dale.
Larry & Deanna Hay says
Signe, Lorraine & Family, We are so sorry for your loss of Dale. He was such a colorful, positive, and confident man. His wonderful family is a testament to his influence and guidance. Love you Sig… you are my wonderful friend and fellow worker! Take care Skaalure Family.. Love, Deanna & Lar
Amy & Ray Sibra says
Sorry very sorry to learn of the passing of our neighbor. Big Hugs to each of you.
Our love & sympathy,
Amy & Ray
Brad Nimmick says
Dale was one of the people who helped shaped my life. He was a steadfast man who always had a good thing to say. More than that his very nature provided a model to live by. I appreciate Dale and his family being there to show the rest of us that being forthright and honest will bring a good life. I like that he was able to live long. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to see him much in the last many years, I have thought about him and appreciate his influence on my life. Lorraine and family should be proud of their husband and father.
Meghann Butler says
Lorraine and family,
My deepest sympathies at this time. I was very sorry to hear about Dale’s passing. Sending my best,
Meghann
Randy & Linell Pegar says
Was just thinking about Dale and Lorraine the other day. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Randy & Linell
Fay Danielsen says
Deepest sympathy to Dale’s family. He was always a great example of how to live your life and give back to your community.
Leah Kapernick says
Dear Skaalure family and extended family,
Dale was such a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by all, and the memory of his life brings to mind many happy memories gathering with him and the family on the farm. I wish you comfort and peace as you honor the memory of his life together. His gentle spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Love, Leah
Larry and Ann Bitz says
Dear Lorraine and family,
We feel so privileged to have known Dale. He was such a pillar in the community….we missed you folks when you moved to Helena!! I (Ann) always appreciated his kindness and sincerity when we had contact whether it was school, community, or 4-H wreath sales. Larry says, “There are a few men who stand out and are an honor to know – Dale was one of those.” He will be remembered by our family as a very kind and gentle man. Our sympathy and prayers go out to you.
Larry & Ann
Karen Beirwagen Baker says
How lucky I was to have Dale and Lorraine as my second dad and mom when I was little, hanging with my dear friend Heidi. Always kind, breaking into song (“Montana, Montana . . . ), adoring his wife, and a man of faith, he was an influence I did not recognize fully until I had a family of my own. When my kids were little, I would break into, of course, “Montana, Montana.” It is then that I understood how much Dale & Lorraine had taught me so much more than songs, and I am grateful for how they mirrored my parents’ faith and values. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life. Love you all.
Karen Beirwagen Baker & family
Lori Omlie says
Dear Lorraine and Family, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. I remember the family dinners at the Omlie house. We’d sing before dinner, all you could hear was Dale ! He was such a kind and gentle man, he won’t be forgotten. I’m keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen Bryson says
Thinking of you and praying you find comfort in the many memories. I’m out of state so will ve unable to attend services. I so enjoyed working with Dale years ago on Flathead Lutheran Camp board!
Gary & Joy Novota says
Kevin & Kristi,
No matter the circumstances, no matter the time, the loss still hurts & brings deep sadness. However, we know this was a man with a life well-lived with gifts to so many for a very, very long time. Your memories will be special & wonderful forever. Our sympathies to all of your family as you say your final good-bye. God’s blessings to you.
MarJ Rolland says
Dear Lorraine and family — my deepest sympathy on the loss of Dale. He was a wonderful man with a kind and gentle soul. That twinkle in his eye that made you wonder if he was up to some mischief or maybe he knew the key to happiness. Wish I could be with you to celebrate his life — I will be there in prayer and thoughts.
Gaynell Gullickson Tempel says
To all of you that have been such a part of my life, I feel sadness but happy knowing that Dale and Dad (Bud Gullickson) are up in heaven fixing something! My love and prayers are with you all! Hugs. I’m sorry I can’t be at the service. I always remember Dale because he always made it a point to speak to a little girl! What wonderful memories you all will share. Love again, Gaynell
Sharon Robertson says
I remember so many things about the Skaalure family in general and Dale in particular. He was always happy; happy to be a child of God, happy with his position in life, happy with his loving and lovely wife and children. We should all cultivate those positive feelings and throw away the negative things that clutter our lives.
Lorraine, we have missed having you and Dale as companions for Sunday lunch at the Mint. Now I wish you peace, strength and courage as you face the days ahead of you. My continuing prayers go out for one and all of you. May you be a blessing to others. With love and sincere sympathy. Sharon Robertson
Revs David and Lorna Halaas says
grateful for Big Sandy memories and the Skaalure family! Our prayers continue with you..!
Bob Finke says
Dear Lorraine and family:
We all lost a true friend and Christian brother. I’ve been on a trip and didn’t know Dale had
passed away until I got home last night. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob
Bob Finke says
Dear Lorraine and family:
We all lost a true friend and Christian brother. I’ve been on a trip and didn’t know Dale had
passed away until I got home last night. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Glenna Wortman-Obie says
To Lorraine, Arne, Signe, Heidi, Kristen and Kevin, and all your family, my deepest sympathy at the loss of Dale. He was a pillar of his church and community and I know you are all feeling his loss. But I also know you can hold onto your faith–the faith he taught and lived. He is now in a place of pure love!
Doug & Nancy Kapernick says
Dearest Lorraine and Cousins:
We’ve lost a wonderful person and special role model to our family. He left a legacy of love for his Lord, family and community and blessed many lives along the way with his kindness and sweet smile. I’m (Doug) flooded with so many wonderful memories of my youth on the farm and then later bringing my family to visit. Of all his many talents and abilities you mentioned, he was also a first class barber. Many people may not know this fact. As a young lad, I was probably pretty squirmy in his barber chair/converted step stool and he only had one style to offer- short, but my mom was always pleased with the outcome. We will forever remember him and the loving smile and squint in his eyes and are thankful for the many times we had with him and with your family over the years.
You are in our hearts and prayers. Blessings, Nancy and Doug Kapernick
Joanne Peres Hershman says
Love and prayers to you all. Dale was a delightfully kind and wonderfully intelligent man to work with. May The Lord bless you with the knowledge that he is with Jesus, and comfort you with loving memories of your time with him.
Denise says
I was reading the River Press and saw Dale’s obituary. It was so beautiful and it was an honor to have known him. His Christian walk was always exemplary . Lorraine I remember our days with our young girls, Heidi and Kyla at Republican Women’s club. I see Heidi is now living in Minnesota where I was raised. I am now living in Stevensville, where Kyla is Living. Dale was a role model for those coming behind. I am sure there are many who are now reminiscing about all the good things in life that he represented My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. With Heartfelt Sympathy and Love, Denise McFarland . 57 Main St, #302, Stevensville, MNT 59870 406 781-6485
Denise McFarland says
correction to my email address.
Denise McFarland says
this is a correction for my email address Denise
Ron and Pat Long says
Dear Lorraine and family,
It is with sadness that we read of Dale’s departing, but know that it is really his graduation to better things. As young adults working in Farm Bureau we became acquainted with Dale and you Lorraine. I (Ron) look back on those days and realize what a mentor Dale was. The wisdom he had gleaned in his 21 year head start on me was well noted. He had a way to share it that made it exciting and challenging to be around him. His Christian walk did not go unnoticed either. One year our church here in Highwood was raising funds to send our pastor, Jim Beadle, to the Philippines on an extended mission trip. Being a very good singer, the pastor had made a record of favorite hymns and some of us were peddling them to whoever we could persuade to buy them. Without listening to the music, Dale bought six records! He believed in the cause.
Ever since our first meeting, we have had great respect and admiration for Dale. In recent years we have missed you both Lorraine, and pray God’s blessing on you and your family until we catch up with him again!