Dale Stender

With a warm, welcoming smile and a heart for all people, Dale Stender lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Dale was a man of God who loved being around people and radiated positivity and happiness. He was a natural storyteller who enjoyed sharing conversation and connection with everyone and was often the source of warmth and comfort wherever he gathered with others. Dale lived by example, embodying the principles of his faith, and his kindness and joy inspired all who were blessed to know him. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Dale will be deeply missed by those he so dearly loved.

1948 proved a year of continued celebration of the end of World War II. As America's heroes eagerly returned home, a renewed spirit and hope filled the air. American prosperity grew like never before in our history. The Greatest Generation soon gave way to the Baby Boomers. In South Bend, Indiana, the cause for celebration grew even greater for the Stender family as they welcomed their newest member, Dale, on November 7.

While Dale's dad was earning his degree in mechanical engineering at Notre Dame, his mom stayed home when he was born. He grew up on Dartmouth Street in Kalamazoo in the good company of his siblings, Dave, Craig, Chris, Terrence, Gordy, Mark, and Elaine, and many wonderful neighbors. Dale spent countless hours playing outdoor sports in the neighborhood. Many great times were enjoyed during summers at the family cottage on Gourdneck Lake, spending time with his extended family, which included many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

During his years as a student at Hackett High School, Dale enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football. A point guard and middle linebacker, Dale is remembered by his peers for his positivity and kindness. After graduating with the class of 1966, Dale attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, for three years. Though his years at the seminary enriched his Catholic faith, he came to recognize and accept that the priesthood was not his calling and returned home.

While attending Western Michigan University, Dale had the good fortune of meeting his future wife, Gloria Henry, at a party after a football game. Immediately attracted to Gloria, Dale caught her interest. Over time, their relationship deepened, and it became clear that they were destined to spend their lives together. With their hearts set on building a future together, Dale and Gloria married on August 1, 1970.

In 1976, Dale and Gloria were blessed to welcome their son, Deric, to their family. In 1974, their family was completed when their daughter, Rachael, was born. While Gloria was a true matriarch in charge of the family, kids, and home, Dale followed her lead and worked as a machine operator and a foreman in different industries to provide for his family. He later got into powdered coating. A professional problem solver, he enjoyed the sales and was very good at the technical part of engineering.

Dale and Gloria bought a home on Gun Lake, right next to the state park, and for 20 years, they loved spending as much time there as they could, especially in the summer. They relished in hosting family gatherings and also enjoyed many family vacations and countless hiking trips, which became even more special once the grandchildren joined in the fun. Whether playing card and board games, going on tractor rides, tubing, or attending their special events and activities, Dale was always there as a grandpa, happy and usually the loudest fan cheering them on.

After suffering a heart attack and undergoing three bypasses, Dale retired when he was 57 to concentrate on his recovery and wellness. Just a few years later, in 2008, he experienced a stroke.

Sadly, in 2021, Gloria's was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died just 3.5 short months later. Dale found hope and peace in his bible. He loved cheering on his favorite Notre Dame and Detroit sports teams. He enjoyed his lawn and yard, and he welcomed any opportunity to share a conversation with someone. It wasn't unusual for Dale to walk up to random people wearing a Notre Dame or Detroit shirt or hat and initiate a conversation about their shared interests and passions.

As we celebrate Dale's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying Dale's legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we greet a stranger as a friend, welcome the day with gladness, lead with our hearts, embody the principles of our faith, cheer on our loved ones' hopes and dreams and our favorite teams' endeavors, and envelop our loved ones in joy, we keep Dale's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Dale Stender of Kalamazoo, age 77, died on June 14, 2026. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria and brother Dave Stender. Surviving are his children, Deric (Fawn) Stender, and Rachael Stender; grandchildren, Tyler Stender, Caleb Stender, Emma Patrick, Alivia Stender, Lindsey Stender, and Griffin Stender; siblings, Craig (Susan) Stender, Chris (Joyce) Stender, Terrence Stender, Gordy Stender, Mark (Linda) Stender, Elaine (Joe) White; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a Life Story Service on Monday, June 22 at 11AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Visitation will begin one hour prior. A reception will follow in the Life Story center where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Burial at West Cooper Cemetery.

Celebrate Dale’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries.