Dale William Van Horn, 86, a lifelong Crookston, MN resident, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, October 29, 2023. 
Dale was born on September 22, 1937 in Crookston to Frank and Anna (DeBoer) Van Horn. While growing up on the family farm he began his education at the Franklin Elementary School before attending Central High School. He then enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard serving from 1956 to 1962. Dale was united in marriage to Norma Hazel Bakken on October 20, 1956 in the Fridhem Lutheran Church, Lengby, MN. She was the love of Dale’s life for 67 years and their marriage would soon be blessed by the births of daughter, Julie Ann, and son, Jeffrey. Very sadly, Julie Ann, died accidentally on July 2, 1977. Since that tragic day Dale kept her memory foremost in his heart.
After their marriage, Dale farmed for several years near Crookston. He then took ownership of Crookston Auto Wrecking, and worked for Spring Gravel. Dale would later work independently as the owner of his own gravel truck and closed out his working career with Salem Motors.
Dale and Norma loved to travel, they enjoyed many winters in Lake Havasu in Arizona with their many friends. They also enjoyed Sunday drives that would last for hours, often inviting friends to join them. For most of those drives Dale enjoyed having Norma as the navigator, which sometimes led to a few unplanned detours. Dale also enjoyed making his daily rounds about town, and people person that he was, visiting with everyone. Strangers simply became new friends. Among those friends were those from the Crookston Eagles Aerie 873, where Dale was a longtime member. In 2001, Dale was baptized into the Christian faith at Trinity Point, and then became a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston. Dale was known for his sense of humor, and his cane. He loved to walk around “Cane-ing” as he called it.
Family was the most important part of Dale’s life. He treasured the time he and Norma had together, and the pride they shared for their son, Jeff, and his wife, Jody. Having grandsons, Jeric and Jake, in their lives was pure joy.
Dale’s memory will be forever cherished by his soulmate, Norma; their son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jody Van Horn of Park Rapids, MN; grandsons, Jeric Van Horn of Detroit Lakes, MN and Jake Van Horn of Grand Rapids, MN; Niece, Sandra Stalemo, and many nieces and nephews on Norma’s side of the family; his fur baby, Jack the cat; and extended family. In addition to his beloved daughter, Julie Ann, extreme sadness once again came with the passing of Jake’s wife, Gretta Lynn (Hjelseth) Van Horn, who passed away after a lengthy illness on April 20, 2022. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Van Horn; brother, Willard (Shirley) Van Horn; brothers-in-law: Lloyd (Mildred) Bakken, Harvey Bakken, and Dick (Sue) Bakken; and parents-in-law, Lawrence and Hilda Bakken.
The Memorial Service honoring Dale’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service and burial will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery. The services will be livestreamed by going to Dale’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com to view and where messages of condolence may also be left.
