Dale Gano

Dale Gano, of Stevensville, passed away on May 31st, surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born on December 21, 1929, to Allen and Madalene (Troffer) Gano. He grew up in Sodus Township, and graduated from St. John's Catholic High School. He proudly served his country for two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and he was stationed in Germany. Dale began working for Paramount Die Casting Company in 1950, and held the positions of Manager Of Production Planning and, later, Personnel And Safety Manager. On June 6, 1970, Dale and Joyce Geipel were united in marriage at St.Paul's Lutheran Church, in Stevensville. Dale went to heaven just six days before their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1975, he accepted a transfer to Paramount's sister division, Briggs-Shaffner, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he held the position of Castings Sales Manager until his retirement in 1995, with a total of 45 years of combined service. After retirement, he and Joyce returned home to Stevensville, and during that time, they enjoyed traveling the country together and spending winters in South Carolina. Dale was an avid birdwatcher, and he also enjoyed gardening, reading, fishing, and especially spending time with his family and friends. Dale was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in Stevensville, Stevensville American Legion Post 568, VFW Post 1137, Berrien Birding Club, and Sarett Nature Center. Dale is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, children Mary Jo (Duane) Parker, Douglas Gano, Linda (Drue) Schaffert, Dan (Vicki) Gano, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Kathy Geipel. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen, his parents, his brother Allen Gano, and sister Pauline Totzke. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the “Building On God’s Blessings” fund at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville, Michigan 49127. Those wishing to share a memory of Dale online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com