Dale Robert Mudick was born in Lansing, Michigan on August 16, 1945. At the age of 18 months, he was adopted from the St. Cloud Children’s Home. While in middle school, Dale returned to the St. Cloud Children’s Home at his own request, and he graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School. At age 18, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country honorably in Germany and then volunteered to go to Vietnam where he became a Forward Observer, enduring wounds both seen and unseen. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. After he returned home from Vietnam, the sacrifices he made for his country remained with him throughout his life.
Upon his return, Dale worked at Owens Corning in Kansas for five years as a warehouse manager and union steward. In January of 1976 he met his future bride, Raelene Schmidtknecht while out dancing, and they were married in June. For ten years, they made their home in Waseca where Dale worked at Brown Printing. He earned an associate degree, and they moved to Sleepy Eye where Dale worked as a lithographer at AUI (now known as Koozie). Dale was a skilled craftsman and upon retiring, was proud of the successful woodworking business he started called D-n-R Wood Designs.
Dale was a good dad who loved his children and loved telling dad jokes. Watching the Minnesota Vikings and Twins as well as “Friday Night Smackdown” and “Seinfeld” with Rae were highlights of his day. He was an avid card player and a solid Cribbage adversary. He never turned down an opportunity to go fishing, and took exceptional care of his beloved feline family members.
Dale fought many battles in his lifetime, both overseas and at home. He persevered through the struggles and heartache life dealt him. He was stubborn and relied on sheer tenacity, grit, and a family who loved him, to overcome the many challenges sent his way. His sense of humor was a tool he used frequently in dealing with life’s daily struggles. Dale will be lovingly remembered for his courage, both in the military and in life, his beautiful dancing skills, and the sparkle in his eyes. Rest in peace, Dale, you have earned it.
Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Rae Mudick; children, Jeffrey (Erica) Munick, Susan (Kevin) Hendrickson, Traci (Phil) Thieschaefer, and Janann Arrelano; 16 grandchildren; siblings-in-law, Glenette (Michael) Wiecks, Darroll (Crisanta) Schmidtknecht, and Carroll (Ann) Schmidtknecht; special niece and Godchild, Patty (Chuck) Grant; and other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cherished cats, Josie, Lainey, Katie, and Penny.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Jerry Mudick, Mary Ann Webster, and Carol Harschmann; a nephew; two nieces; mom and dad Schmidtknecht; baby Mudick; and many loved cats.
With immeasurable gratitude to the staff at Oak Hills Living Center, Allina Hospice, and Dr. Lovig, the family thanks you for the dedicated and loving care given to Dale.