Dale Walter Owen

Dale Walter Owen, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend and champion of many died peacefully at home on October 10, 2018. Born on the Wisconsin family farm on March 28, 1933, Dale’s life was full of adventure. An engineering graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Dale married the love of his life, Vita Marie Kese on June 27, 1959, and they began their life together living overseas where Dale made his mark in the construction equipment industry.
In the early years, they lived in Beirut, Lebanon and Monrovia, Liberia. His work and their travels took them to Greece, Turkey, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Together the union produced four children, David (Gayle), John (Vickie), Paul (Charlotte), Lisa (Merrill Hines). The unique experience of living and visiting these exotic places, instilled in their children a sense of wonder and adventure that they have passed on to their own children who carry it with them today. In 1973, having explored many corners of the world, the family returned to the United States where Dale established ownership in a construction equipment dealership in Shreveport, Louisiana and expanded to Baton Rouge in 1986.
With a respective for hard work and a glass half full, Dale never forgot the deep roots of the dairy farm in Owen Valley, Wisconsin. He often spoke of his childhood activities, hooking trailers to tractors to till the land, milking cows before the sun rose, cleaning hog manure from the granary. A far cry from the life he lived overseas, he cherished his heritage and he recognized the value and importance of his life experiences. Dale and Vita lived life to the fullest until her untimely death in 2002.
Dale was an active Rotarian, member of the Kiwanis club, mentor to children at risk, and hospice volunteer until his debilitating stroke in 2011. He was a member of the Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity and a loyal Wisconsin Badgers fan.
Preceded in death by his parents Walter and Elma Owen, wife Vita, brothers Darrell, LaVern, Dean, and sister Elsie. Dale is survived by his sister Margie, his children and his 7 grandchildren who will be pallbearers: Matt Owen, Chris Owen, Kasey Owen, George Owen, Owen Hines, Caroline Owen and Eva Hines.
In keeping with his wishes, visitation will be at 10 a.m. Friday October 19 at Lyster Lutheran Church, Nelson, Wisconsin with services following at 11 a.m at the church. Burial will be in North Branch Cemetery. Rabenhorst Funeral Home of Baton Rouge, LA and Goodrich Funeral Home of Durand, WI are assisting the family. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to his many faithful caregivers at The Haven at Windemere and Audubon Hospice, and a big hug to Josie, Melissa, Linda and Deangela.
And in keeping with Pop’s love of his heritage and his school – On Wisconsin! And Geaux Tigers!