Dale Meyer, 84, of Wagner

Dale died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Funeral services are 11 AM, Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the Wagner Community Church. Burial is in the First Baptist Cemetery, rural Avon. Visitation is Wednesday from 11 AM until 7 PM, followed by a prayer service at the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner.

Dale Kelley Meyer, son of Leonard and Mabel (Kelley) Meyer, was born September 15, 1926 at Tyndall, SD. He died Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Dale attained the age of 84 years and 26 days.

Dale attended school in Avon and graduated from Tyndall High School in 1944. He served in the US Navy, attaining the rank of Seaman Second Class.

Dale married Donna M. Sieling "Tootie" on February 18, 1950 at the Len Meyer home in Avon. Two children were blessed to their union. Donna died July 11, 1998.

Dale was well known and respected throughout the area for his generosity, advice and willingness to help anyone in need. He willingly gave of his time and himself to others. His expertise in the cattle industry was legendary. Dale got into the cattle business at an early age, somewhere in his 20's. With his wife Donna and son Jim, he owned and operated the Wagner Sale Barn for 56 years. Following his retirement from Wagner Livestock, he was employed as a field representative for Yankton Livestock, until the time of his death. He loved getting his first job at age 83 that gave him a regular pay check.

Dale loved hunting and fishing his whole life, and his savvy about these pursuits was almost equal to his expertise with cattle. Anyone whoever hunted with Dale was sure to have a memorable experience or possibly have to pay a fine. His love of playing cards with friends was also on his list of priorities.

Dale enjoyed life in many ways, most of all when he was spending time having fun with friends and family. He loved his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids and had a soft spot in his heart for any child. He loved his friends and his life in South Dakota. As he put it, "Why would anybody want to live anywhere else? We've got a paradise right here."

While he may be gone from this earth, his death is not a final chapter. It is a comfort to know that he truly has entered Paradise, and, along with his beloved wife Tootie and many other dear departed loved ones, he will be spending eternity with his Lord and Savior.

Thankful for having shared his life are his children Roxann of Rapid City and Jim of Wagner; 5 grandchildren and their spouses and companions and 10 great grandchildren: Jody and Gretchen and their children Blake and Makenna; Mike and Robin and their children Damon and Aaron; Jamey Jo and Alvin Sr. and their children Bree, Aziah, Alshamon and Alvin, Jr; Clint and son Colton; and Cody and Stephanie and son Rowdy. Dale is also survived by a special nephew, Don Sieling, whom Dale and Donna raised, and his wife Nancy and children Joseph, Makenna, David and Olivia.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife Donna and his parents.