Dale Ray DeLong
December 11th, 1959 - May 24th, 2024
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Dale's Obituary
Dale Ray DeLong, 64, of Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 24, 2024, after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Dale was born on December 11, 1959, in Oelwein, Iowa. His family relocated to southwest Michigan at an early age. After graduating from Lakeshore High School, where he was a four-year varsity tennis player, he opted to take the route of running his own business, teaching himself along the way. Over his career, his entrepreneurial spirit led him through a series of ventures in a variety of industries, including marketing, chemical manufacturing, construction, real estate, and retail.
In his free time, Dale was an avid golfer and tennis player. His sports enthusiasm led him to participate in several leagues, where he competed in tournaments that took him as far away as Florida. He cherished many family trips, including a one-month cross-country trip, creating countless memories with loved ones. Whether on the golf course, tennis court, or enjoying quality time with his family, Dale’s zest for life and competitive spirit were always evident.
In the spirit of giving back to the community, Dale was involved in various service roles. He served as the Regional President of the Exchange Club, where he spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those in the community. Dale also shared his love for sports by working as an assistant coach for a high school tennis team, inspiring young athletes with his dedication and enthusiasm. Additionally, he was the founder of the Capstone Center, a hub for community support and outreach programs. His tireless efforts and generous heart left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
Throughout his life, Dale explored several Christian denominations, ultimately building deep, meaningful relationships with the congregation at the First Assembly of God. Known for his selflessness, he frequently extended a helping hand to friends in need, often choosing to do so anonymously. In his later years, Dale’s spiritual journey led him to establish a ministry, Gear 316, which he envisioned as his enduring legacy. His unwavering faith and compassionate spirit will be fondly remembered by all those who were blessed by having a discussion with him.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joyce DeLong; children, Nicolas (Kristin) DeLong, Kymberly (Arian) DeLong, & Sabrina (Michael) Poskey; grandchildren, Johannah, Aaron, & Emma Hernandez and Hudson & Levi Poskey; stepfather, Robert Gregory; stepmother, Barbara DeLong; sisters, Denise DeLong and Darci Ocasio; in-laws, Theresa (Robert) Hall, Brenda Bazan, Tom (Paula) Bazan, Vicky Lerke, Elizabeth (Myall) Hawkins, & Mary (John) Spear; stepbrothers, Brian & Allan Elliott; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his children, Dale and Nicole; parents, Shirley Follett Gregory and Jack DeLong; sister, Douane DeLong; & brothers-in-law, Nicolas Bazan, Larry Lerke, and Michael Rondelli.
A visitation with Dale’s family will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Blue Roof Church (3084 Niles Road). A funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Blue Roof Church with Pastor Nathan Bloomfield officiating. Dale will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery near his children. For a more lasting memory, donations in Dale’s name may be made to Gear 316 Ministries. Please feel free to share a memory with the family on their online tribute wall at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Dale was born on December 11, 1959, in Oelwein, Iowa. His family relocated to southwest Michigan at an early age. After graduating from Lakeshore High School, where he was a four-year varsity tennis player, he opted to take the route of running his own business, teaching himself along the way. Over his career, his entrepreneurial spirit led him through a series of ventures in a variety of industries, including marketing, chemical manufacturing, construction, real estate, and retail.
In his free time, Dale was an avid golfer and tennis player. His sports enthusiasm led him to participate in several leagues, where he competed in tournaments that took him as far away as Florida. He cherished many family trips, including a one-month cross-country trip, creating countless memories with loved ones. Whether on the golf course, tennis court, or enjoying quality time with his family, Dale’s zest for life and competitive spirit were always evident.
In the spirit of giving back to the community, Dale was involved in various service roles. He served as the Regional President of the Exchange Club, where he spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those in the community. Dale also shared his love for sports by working as an assistant coach for a high school tennis team, inspiring young athletes with his dedication and enthusiasm. Additionally, he was the founder of the Capstone Center, a hub for community support and outreach programs. His tireless efforts and generous heart left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
Throughout his life, Dale explored several Christian denominations, ultimately building deep, meaningful relationships with the congregation at the First Assembly of God. Known for his selflessness, he frequently extended a helping hand to friends in need, often choosing to do so anonymously. In his later years, Dale’s spiritual journey led him to establish a ministry, Gear 316, which he envisioned as his enduring legacy. His unwavering faith and compassionate spirit will be fondly remembered by all those who were blessed by having a discussion with him.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joyce DeLong; children, Nicolas (Kristin) DeLong, Kymberly (Arian) DeLong, & Sabrina (Michael) Poskey; grandchildren, Johannah, Aaron, & Emma Hernandez and Hudson & Levi Poskey; stepfather, Robert Gregory; stepmother, Barbara DeLong; sisters, Denise DeLong and Darci Ocasio; in-laws, Theresa (Robert) Hall, Brenda Bazan, Tom (Paula) Bazan, Vicky Lerke, Elizabeth (Myall) Hawkins, & Mary (John) Spear; stepbrothers, Brian & Allan Elliott; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his children, Dale and Nicole; parents, Shirley Follett Gregory and Jack DeLong; sister, Douane DeLong; & brothers-in-law, Nicolas Bazan, Larry Lerke, and Michael Rondelli.
A visitation with Dale’s family will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Blue Roof Church (3084 Niles Road). A funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Blue Roof Church with Pastor Nathan Bloomfield officiating. Dale will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery near his children. For a more lasting memory, donations in Dale’s name may be made to Gear 316 Ministries. Please feel free to share a memory with the family on their online tribute wall at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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