Dale Van Pelt was born on May 11, 1931 in Oberlin, Kansas to Kenneth and Charlotte (Uehlin) Van Pelt. He passed away at home on September 5, 2026 surrounded by his family and caregivers at the age of 95.

Dale and his four siblings (Don, Violet, Lee, and Charlene) grew up in Decatur County, Kansas until 1947 when the family moved to Cedaredge, Colorado. Dale and Lee were two peas in a pod, often working the farm chores together and managing to get into a little trouble along the way. When both of their wives passed away in the early 2000’s, Dale and Lee would return to their boyhood and spend nearly all of their time together, laughing and carrying on just like they did as kids.

Dale met his future wife, Dorothy “Dot” Tabor at the Delta Sales Yard, and the two were wed on February, 22, 1952. The pair had only been married one month when Dale was called to serve in the Army for the next two years. Dot was able to follow him to Detroit, but returned home when he was called to the Canadian Border later that year.

When Dale returned home after serving in the Army, he worked with his brothers Don and Lee and traveled all over Southern Colorado and Utah working on a drill rig. Dale and Dot eventually settled in Uravan, Colorado, and on January 31, 1955, Sandra “Sandy” Van Pelt was born, and she quickly became the apple of Dale’s eye. Dale took Sandy hunting, fishing, and hauling ore with him in the truck; the two often had stories to tell Dot when they arrived home.

In 1973, Sandy married Neil Snyder and he and Dale grew to be very close. In 1977, Dale’s first grandson was born (Brandon), followed by his first granddaughter in 1981 (Billi). In 1987, Dale and Dot’s third granddaughter was born (Brooke), and even though Dale and Dot lived in Montana during this time, they were close with their grandkids and doted upon them every chance they got. When they returned from Montana, they lived in Redvale for a while before settling down in Montrose in 1988 where he remained until his death. Dale and his grandkids spent many holidays, weekends, and summers together. The kids loved spending time with him, and he was always willing to take them hunting or fishing or out to the airport to watch planes take off and land.

Dot passed away in 2001, and Dale remained in Montrose close to family and his brother Lee, and sister Charlene. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren; Berkeley Ann in September of 2005, Alexis Rae in May of 2007, and Brady Dale in July of 2008. His house was decorated with their photos over the years, and he always welcomed the opportunity to visit them, or share a hunting story or two (or three). Dale loved telling stories, making people laugh, and spending time with his family and devoted caregivers. He was surrounded by family in Montrose and visitors would stop in just to say hi. He always had a handshake and a shot of whiskey to offer.

Dale was preceded to death by his wife, Dot, his brothers Don and Lee, and his sister Violet. He is survived by sister, Charlene Weiszbrod, his daughter Sandy Guthmann, grandchildren Brandon (Dawnessa) Snyder, Billi Phillips, and Brooke (Casey) Knopp, his great-grandchildren,

and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 20th at 1:00 p.m. at Dale’s residence in Montrose. A graveside memorial will follow at a later date.

The family would like to thank Professional Case Management (PCM) and their staff for the wonderful care over the last several years, and Hope West Hospice for their care over the last month of his life. Additionally, the family would like to thank his caregiver and best friend, Lucy Skiles, who made his last few years some of the very best of his life.