Dale Klukas

Obituary

Dale Vernon Klukas was born in Gaylord, Minnesota, on February 27, 1947, to Vernon and Mable (Witte) Klukas. Dale was the youngest of three children and was welcomed home by his sisters, Geri and Mavis. Dale was baptized as an infant on March 23, 1947, and later confirmed in his faith on May 21, 1961, both at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord. Dale was a graduate of Gaylord High School after which he pursued additional professional certifications.

On September 18, 1971, Dale married Avis Doerr and they began a 53-year journey together that ended with Avis by his side when the Lord called him home. Dale and Avis made their home first in Glencoe and then shortly after moved back to his hometown of Gaylord where they would raise their children. Together they had three sons, Shad, Jess, who died in infancy and Josh.

Dale had a passion for working with his hands that began as a little boy working alongside his dad, Vernon, at the family’s Oliver implement dealership. This passion led to a life-long career as a welder and metal fabricator and a home woodworker in his spare time. For a few years, Dale and Avis operated the R & R Café where Dale’s ribs had lines out the door waiting to get in.

Dale loved sports of all kinds. His passions ranged from his days as a Gaylord High football player to his life-long love of bowling that led him to State level championship competition. He later shared his love of bowling with a new generation as the Sibley East Bowling team coach. In addition to his love for bowling, he played softball, hunted, played golf, and loved to be on a lake fishing, enjoying several Canadian fishing trips with his bowling buddies. After marrying Avis, Dale embraced her love of horses and they spent years together in the saddle trail riding and competing at the Minnesota State Fair with the Western Mounted Paraders.

Dale was an active community member serving as a volunteer in the Sibley County Sheriff’s Posse, on the Gaylord Ambulance volunteer team and as a member of the Gaylord Baseball Association. For over 50 years, Dale was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on the Church Council, as a Trustee, as a Sunday school teacher and volunteer. One of his favorite roles, was when he and Avis led the Youth Group, including attending two national youth gathering events. These trips to New Orleans and San Antonio were memories he cherished especially the music and the time with young people.

Dale took pride in his sons and granddaughters and was active in their activities and passions, whether cheering from the seats or volunteering in many roles, including baking cookies for the teams. His granddaughters, Gabrielle, Madeline and MaKenna were shining lights in his life and gave him great joy.

In retirement, Dale remained active despite health challenges as a member of the Forever Young Senior Center, traveling with Avis including trips to Laughlin, Nevada, building things in his workshop and was often found setting jigsaw puzzles and then building frames for them out of antique barn wood. Dale was an avid baker creating treats for his friends at the Senior Center and for activities at church and in the community and was known for his special caramels.

When Dale needed assistance with his care, he became a resident of Bayside Manor in Gaylord and passed away there on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Dale is survived by his
wife, Avis of Gaylord, MN;
sons, Shad and his partner, Doug Stewart of Saint Paul, MN, and
          Josh and his wife Jennifer, and their daughters Gabrielle, Madeline and MaKenna of Baxter MN;
sister, Geri Klukas of Glencoe, MN,
aunt, Ruth Doerr of Hutchinson, MN,
nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many incredible friends.

Dale was preceded in death by infant son, Jess; father, Vernon; mother, Mable; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Irene Doerr; sister, Mavis Rischmiller and her husband, Wayne; sister-in-law, Eldonna Doerr; brother-in-law, Dale Doerr and his wife, Sarah; and step-father, Werner Kreuger.