Harvard Chief (Retired) Dale Cole, age 73, of Rockford, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012. He grew up on his parents' farm where they were bait wholesalers. Dale's job as a youngster was to dig into the water and earth at night for wigglers, minnows, and night crawlers; and during the day he worked the farm. When he was 5 years old, the family home burned. After that event and the death of his mother, Dale helped to protect family and property as the Chief of the Harvard Fire Department. For 32 years he serviced the townships of Courtland, Spencer, Oakfield, and Nelson with their rescue unit covering 80 square miles. In his fire rescue days his wife and children also helped as his crew. Many family events were canceled because of their dedication so coverage was there. He also owned and operated Dale's Garage and Wrecker Service in Harvard. At all times his wife Marilyn was always by his side. Dale is survived by his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Marilyn; children, Catherine and Bob Janse, Fay VanStee, Mark and Brenda Cole, Tim and Sue Cole, Andrea and Carl Jones, and Barbara Ely; son, Kirk Laderoot; Beth Marie's son, Joshua Christian; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel (Carol) Cole; sister, Margaret (Bud) Longcore; nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Arlene Holloway, brothers-in-law, Larry (Peggy) Kropenicki, and Bruce (Margaret) Holloway. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Marie Christian, sister-in-law, Diane Holloway, brother-in-law, Michael Holloway.
Published Pederson Funeral Home
Published Pederson Funeral Home
Harvard Chief (Retired) Dale Cole, age 73, of Rockford, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012. He grew up on his parents' farm where they were bait wholesalers. Dale's job as a youngster was to dig into the water and earth at night for wigglers, minnows, and night crawlers; and during the day he worked the farm. When he was 5 years old, the family home burned. After that event and the death of his mother, Dale helped to protect family and property as the Chief of the Harvard Fire Department. For 32 years he serviced the townships of Courtland, Spencer, Oakfield, and Nelson with their rescue unit covering 80 square miles. In his fire rescue days his wife and children also helped as his crew. Many family events were canceled because of their dedication so coverage was there. He also owned and operated Dale's Garage and Wrecker Service in Harvard. At all times his wife Marilyn was always by his side. Dale is survived by his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Marilyn; children, Catherine and Bob Janse, Fay VanStee, Mark and Brenda Cole, Tim and Sue Cole, Andrea and Carl Jones, and Barbara Ely; son, Kirk Laderoot; Beth Marie's son, Joshua Christian; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel (Carol) Cole; sister, Margaret (Bud) Longcore; nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Arlene Holloway, brothers-in-law, Larry (Peggy) Kropenicki, and Bruce (Margaret) Holloway. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Marie Christian, sister-in-law, Diane Holloway, brother-in-law, Michael Holloway.
Published Pederson Funeral Home
Published Pederson Funeral Home
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