Dale M. Kleeves, 74, of Montrose, Colorado, went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2026 at his home west of Montrose.

Dale was born January 31, 1952, in Covington, Kentucky, to Joel F. Kleeves and Jean Ann (Kidd) Kleeves. He spent his early childhood in Covington before his parents moved to the Denver area when he was 6. When he was 14, his parents bought the Double JK Ranch, a guest ranch south of Estes Park, CO. He eventually became the wrangler there and was known for his ability to entertain the guests on their rides through Rocky Mountain National Park with songs, stories, and riddles. He graduated from Estes Park High School in 1970 and went on to attend Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, and then received an associate degree in Biblical Studies from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduation, he returned to the ranch to continue wrangling. There he met his wife Maggie and they were married on October 13, 1979. After spending a few years at the ranch, then a year in Laramie, Wyoming, they moved to Montrose in 1987 where he was involved in various businesses, including Kleeves Hillside Orchard, the Montrose County Shopper, Office Furniture Liquidators, City Market, and Walmart.

Dale loved hunting with his sons or anyone available, square dancing, and attending church and Bible studies. He was never without his truck, his cowboy boots, country Western music, and a good cup of coffee. Though generally a quiet man, he loved connecting with people in small groups and one-on-one. He enjoyed helping with Rodeo Bible Camp as a counselor and was very gifted in working with the young men, demonstrating God’s love to the campers through his friendliness and caring. He brought that same dedication to the Montrose jail where he helped lead a Bible study for many years.

He is survived by his wife Maggie (Margaret) of Montrose, sons Grant (Andrea) of Ridgway and Chad (Brittani) of Montrose, and daughter Alicia Harper (Jared) of Madison, Mississippi, along with grandchildren Kaydence, Wilder, Ridge, Madilynn, and Titus. He is also survived by his sister Dawn Bowman (Dave) from Olathe, Colorado, nephew Andrew Bowman (Sarah) and their children, Kyanne and Rio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Jean Ann Kleeves of Montrose.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 13th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Youth Center at Grace Community Church, 16731 Woodgate Road, Montrose, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dale’s name to Operation Heal Our Patriots through Samaritan’s Purse.