Dale Leo Gerding, a lifelong resident of Chesaning died on March 29, 2024, after battling strokes and health complications for the past three months. He was 85 years old.
Dale's journey started as a proud graduate of Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School in 1956. Destiny then led him to serve in the U.S. Army, where he drove high-ranking officials in parades on his own tank, stationed at Ft. Knox. He married the love of his life, Margaret, on September 17, 1960, in St. Michael's Catholic Church in Maple Grove, and they built a beautiful life together. Dale's love for construction began with his Uncle George and led him to build not only his own home but also many others in his subdivision. This passion later transitioned into a 37-year career with General Motors Buick Division, where he was the cornerstone of necessary construction and property maintenance before retiring in 2000.
An ardent lover of the outdoors, Dale and Margaret enjoyed many years of snowmobiling with friends. His love for sports then transitioned into an incredible golfing journey. He outdrove many friends and became a 'fixture' at Twin Brooks Golf Course in Chesaning, where he got his hole-in-one, and played on a league with his golf partner Ed for over 34 years. Dale and Margaret also embarked on numerous golfing adventures across the Gulf and East Coasts. A faithful member of St. Peter Parish in Chesaning for many years and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Dale's integrity and dedication extended to his contribution to many construction projects.
Dale is survived by Margaret, his loving wife of sixty-three years; his sister, Sharon (Dennis) Moore; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Larry), Jane (Mike), Paulette (Andy), and many other family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Emma Gerding, siblings, Thelma, Virginia, Vonda, Joyce, Jane, and Patricia.
Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at McGeehan Funeral Homes, Martin Chapel, 316 W. Broad St., Chesaning. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:30AM on Friday, April 5, 2024, at St. Peter Parish, 404 S. Wood St., Chesaning, followed by interment at Wildwood Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made in his name to the East Side Soup Kitchen in Saginaw, the Saginaw City Rescue Mission, or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.