Dale Anson

A hardworking and devoted man, Dale Anson wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task lay before him and believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right. Although he never had children of his own, Dale had a special place in his heart for all children and was in many ways a kid at heart. In everything he did Dale carried himself with great honor and integrity, providing us with much to aspire for. He was community minded and was well known in the area he called home throughout his entire life. With a life that spanned times of great transformation within the cultural fabric of America, Dale created a lifetime of precious memories that will remain a lasting treasure for generations to come.

The decade that is often remembered as the Roaring Twenties was a great time to be an American as innovation fueled advancements in cities and towns within our great land. We cheered with the accomplishments of Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart within the world of air travel while greats like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth drew people to the ballfields in record numbers. Cars were more affordable than ever before thanks to the assembly line, and inventions such as the washing machine and the refrigerator changed the way we lived our daily lives. Nestled within this time of great discovery was the year 1927 that brought great anticipation to one active family from Cooper Township, Michigan, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on April 28th of that year as they greeted the healthy baby boy they named Dale, born in the family home. He was the second youngest of seven children born to his parents, Alfred and Bernice (Hughes) Anson, and was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Clark, Howard, Russell, Frances, Walter, and Duane.

For the most part Dale experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. He attended Plainwell Schools where he played football for three years. Dale went on to graduate from high school in 1945.

The early forties found our nation deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII overseas in response to the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor. Countless American servicemen and women were fighting for the preservation of freedom and with a desire to join the ranks, Dale enlisted in the Navy while he was still in school. As soon as he graduated he reported to Washington where he had been stationed.

With his duty to his country fulfilled Dale returned to Michigan and secured employment at a local gravel pit where he learned to operate a crane. He later put these skills to use operating a crane at Carl Goodwin Road Contractors in Allegan where he remained for 20 years. It didn’t come as a surprise to those who knew Dale that he was diligent in his duties and took great pride in his work. As time went by he became one of the few who could still operate the old clutch crane.

There were many things that enriched Dale’s life through the years. He was involved in a relationship with a woman named Charlotte for 12 years, but she later moved away and the couple never married. During his younger years Dale enjoyed hunting with a ten gauge shotgun, and he also played fast pitch softball for many years. He had extraordinary mechanical skills and was meticulous in working with his hands, too. Dale built Crestview Golf Course with his brother Duane on the family farm. In 1965 nine holes were done, by 1973 they built the second nine holes. they sold the course in 1975. With a love for both sports and his hometown, Dale followed Plainwell and Otsego sports, attending every game that he could. He loved to talk sports with anyone who was willing and followed several sports through the years. Dale was always a loyal and dedicated University of Michigan fan, too. As his friends and family can attest he loved to eat and had a weak spot for ice cream of all kinds. In fact, his eyes would light up just at the mention of ice cream!

Throughout his life Dale treasured the relationships he had with those he loved. His family was always of the utmost importance, and he loved to get together with them as often as he could. Dale had the best sense of humor and was know to harass people - all in the name of having fun. He didn’t have any children of his own, but he loved all children, so much so that he made regular stops to see the children of friends and family just to see how they were doing.

Life became more difficult for Dale during his sunset years. By 2005 medical problems left him an invalid. Dale later lived at Diana’s Care in Otsego where he received excellent medical care throughout the last three years of his life.

When reflecting on the life of Dale Anson we are reminded that it is through caring for others that we experience true happiness. A man who was content in all things he fully embraced every moment he was given, traveling through both the peaks and valleys of his life with great humility and character. Dale will be deeply missed while his memory remains a lasting treasure in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Dale Anson of Cooper Township died February 28, 2012, at Borgess Hospital. Dale’s family includes his sister: Frances Hiemstra of Alamo; his brother: Duane Anson of Kalamazoo; and many nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his brothers: Clark, Howard, Russell and Walter. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). Please visit Dale’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Diana’s Care in Otsego where Dale received excellent care for the last three years.