"I grew up watching the Lawrence Welk show along with my mother. We shared in those times our love of wholesome entertainment. Dick was the consummate "gentle"man. He smooth, effortless was was (and still is) so refreshing in today's self indulgent times. I love watching the reruns and seeing his wide repertoire of singing, acting, and playing multiple instruments. It must have been wonderful to have had him as a father, husband, uncle - or just a good neighbor or friend. I hope the show continues at least throughout my lifetime. I know y'all miss your father. Rest assured you are not alone in your loss. "
In loving memory of
Richard L. Dale
September 14, 1926 - December 26, 2014
Memorials in memory of Dick Dale, may be directed to the Algona Community School District Instrumental Music Program, 600 South Hale Street, Algona, IA 50511.
Richard Lee "Dick" Dale was born September 14, 1926, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Walter and Gertrude (Jorgensen) Dale. He grew up in Algona where he attended school and learned to play the saxophone in the seventh grade. In 1943, he graduated from the Algona High School at the age of 16. He began playing the saxophone and singing with the Lynn Kerns' territory band, as well as, other bands in the area. Dick joined and served in the United States Navy and was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to the Algona area.
On November 23, 1949, Dick was united in marriage to Marguerite Gappa in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Dick continued playing with area bands and was playing with the Harold Loefflemacher's "Six Fat Dutchmen" when he was introduced to Lawrence Welk. A few months later he became a permanent member of the Lawrence Welk orchestra and they moved to California. Dick was 1 of 3 to appear on all the Lawrence Welk shows, from the first local broadcast in 1951, to the latest special still airing on PBS from 1982. Throughout his years on the Lawrence Welk show Dick had the privilege to play for four Presidential Inaugural Balls and to play in many of the major venues in America, including Carnegie Hall.
Dick continued his music after the Lawrence Welk Show and later moved to Tennessee. He played with the Billy Vaughn Orchestra in Japan and in the early 90's played the Rainbow Theater with Ava Barber in Pigeon Forge, TN. In the late 90's they moved to Sparks, NV, where Dick continued to perform in the Reno area, as well as, around the country. Though Dick's career took him many places around the United States, in 2006, they returned home to Algona where he continued to share his musical talents.
Dick will be inducted into the Iowa Rock 'N Roll Music Association Hall of Fame receiving the Matousek Family Lifetime Achievement Award in September of 2015. He is being honored for his many years of service to the music industry, representing Iowa and all the good things it stands for with dignity and enthusiasm. Fortunately, Dick had been told of his pending award in November, he was thrilled and looking forward to the honors to come. He will now be honored posthumously.
Dick enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his children and family, as he was away from them often. He enjoyed playing golf and watching most sports on television and was an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts. Wherever they were living, Dick and Marguerite were always active members of their church.
Dick died Friday, December 26, 2014, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Iowa. He was 88.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marguerite Dale of Algona; children, Ric and Lisa Dale of Dayton, OH; Dee Dee and Tony Cooper of Big Fork, MT; Dan and Wendy Dale of Scottsdale, AZ; David and Vicky Dale of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Ryan, Rachael, Ava and Sasha Dale; two nephews and a niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, LeRoy Dale and a sister, Vivian Cowan Benit.
Tributes
"Dick Dale was my favorite member of the Lawrence Welk Orchestra because he got to play a couple of instruments I love, bass clarinet and bari sax along with the soprano clarinet and Alto sax and sing and participate in skits. So talented."
"Growing up in the 1950's I looked forward to Saturday nights and the Lawrence Welk Show. I have always felt the early shows were the most entertaining. Occasionally there were special guests. One night in 1959 Lawrence had Pete Fountain, one of the greatest clarinet players of all time. Fountain and the band played 'Tiger Rag'. I still go online and replay that show. "
"I wanted to show condolences to me Dale i left that out of tribute in my last message sorry, yours truly"
"Dear Dale family, I first watched Lawrence Well on tv as a child, that is when I got interested in big band, and wanted to be a saxophonist, and like Dick, I was a Baritone sax player and bass clarinet in local big bands for years, I wanted Mr, Dale he inspired me, thank you, "
"Really enjoyed his easy to listen voice! ?"
"A man with a talent that was truly Heaven sent! So sorry for your loss. The Lawrence Welk show is truly a masterpiece and Dick was a very integral part of that. A voice like an angel and I am sure he is singing with them."
"The Lawerence Welk show is like friends dropping in on Sat. night. They sing , dance and tell jokes. We always look for Dick Dale, He is our favorite. "
"We just watched the first Lawrence Welk TV show in black and white that appeared in 1955. Of course, my favorite Dick Dale was on the show - what a wonderful talent he was. May He rest in peace and I will be waiting to hear him play and sing again when I get to Heaven. Thanks for the memories!"
"My mother loved The Lawrence Welk Show. I would watch with her. Dick Dale was one of my favorites. He was such a natural. I now watch the reruns."
"We Loved to hear Dick sing or play his sax. Great memories of him on the Lawrence Welk Show. My wife and I still watch the reruns."
"I watch the lawrence well show every Sunday. My special favorite was and still is Sick Dale. I loved the way he sings, l envied. The girls who got to sing with him, I am 75 years old. My love and condolences to you his family."
"I watch the Reruns of the Lawrence Welk Show, and My Mother deeply loved Dick Dale, and she is saddened to hear of his passing, or his home going ! She will always be a Dick Dale Fan!"
"Our condolences to the family. Last week PBS aired the Lawrence Welk Show hosted by Dick; it was wonderful. He was wonderful. In seeking a place to share gratitude, we are so sorry to only just now get the news of his passing. What a loss. Thanks to PBS, Mother and I continue to watch the LWS Saturday evenings, much as my Grandmother and our entire family did when we moved to Northridge in 1968. I heard that Dick sang in his Church Choir at Lady of Lourdes (We attended services across the street.) We remember how the Dale family supported our local Little League; we rooted along side -my brother, Ron, on the same team as Danny. A good man, good times, and great music! Esther and Elizabeth"
"My sincerest condolences to the Dale Family and his musical Families. I grew up watching Mr. Dale on TV and will even admit to a tv "crush". His music will live on in all that cherish it."
"Dear Marguerite and Family, So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. My father, Lloyd (Curley) Pratt, played with Dick in Algona's own dance band, the Rhythm Club, along with Bernie Yoeman, Gene Kelly, Ray Cook,Ted and Joel Herbst,George Carmondy, Ed Green, Claude Willey, and Howard Sweir. Dad was always proud of Dick's accomplishments and was honored to have played with him."
"Like many others, I grew up watching the Lawrence Welk Show beginning in 1955. Dick Dale was always one of my favorites. He was such a versatile performer - musician, singer, and dancer. He was very professional in every thing he did, and, best of all, he seemed to be a really nice person. Thank you Dick for all the great memories you have given so many people. My sincerest condolences to the Dale family. Stephen Cohen Orange, California "
"as A Kid I liked Lawrence Welk while other kids liked Rock n Roll Dick Dale was a talented Musician....and even watching him on TV you could tell He was a NICE HUMASN BEING TOO. Everytime as A DJ I play CALCUTTA I WILL THINK OF DICK Marty Green in Eau Claire Wisconsin "
"Kenny & I watched the LW show for years. It was a joy to know someone on the show. When Dick & Marguerite moved to Algona. Kenny got to visit with him and that was a joy for him.Dick told him keep watching the show. Will keep the family in our prayers."
" I remember watching Dick on television from my grandparent's living room. As I grew up to become a composer and arranger these memories stuck-- and I became an avid student of the wonderful music Dick and his friends made. Dick always had a special place in my heart-- because he was from Algona-- my ancestral home, where many of my relatives still live. They held many fond memories of him-- and I wish I could have met Dick personally. Today I was saddened by the passing of one of these friends, Dewey Skilling-- but am greatly comforted knowing these two old friends now rejoicing in their new life together. Thoughts with the Dale family and the extended Welk musical family as they move from their sorrow into this joy."
"I graduated from Algona High School a year ahead of Dick but I remember his musical talent at that time. I've been a devoted fan of the Lawrence Welk show and always looked forward to Dick's solos. Quite often I would send him a note to let him know how much I enjoyed a certain song. And it was good to see him at a high school reunion. I send my deepest sympathy to his family."
"Mr. Dale was a great man and performer of talent. I loved watching him(and still do) on the Lawrence Welk Show on PBS. Even though I am 19 I love good music. He will be greatly missed."
"I grew up watching The Lawrence Welk Show every week to shouts of "There's Uncle Barney!" whenever the trombones were featured. Now, having recognized Dick Dale's name in the LA Times obituary pages, I will keep a lookout for him as well when I catch the show on public television. Also, I got to go backstage at a show in Minneapolis in the '60's, and it was just as rock'n roll as rock'n roll. "
"I grew up watching The Lawrence Welk Show every week to shouts of "There's Uncle Barney!" whenever the trombones were featured. Now, having recognized Dick Dale's name in the LA Times obituary pages, I will keep a lookout for him as well when I catch the show on public television. Also, I got to go backstage at a show in Minneapolis in the '60's, and it was just as rock'n roll as rock'n roll. "
"So sorry to read in the Los Angeles Times of Dick Dale's passing. I was a very loyal viewer of the Lawrence Welk Show and remember Dick very well. Lawrence permitted each musician to "show his or her stuff" and we, the viewing audience, felt as though we knew each member like family. It's sad that nothing today compares to that era. Fortunately, we're still able to watch the old Welk show videos on TV and relive those days. My sincere condolences to Dick's family at this time."
"Dear Margaret and Family, So sorry to read that Dick passed away. I worked with Dick on the Welk Show since 1954 and loved his kindness and friendship throughout these past years. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Richard had a mellow voice. He was a mellow sax player and a very mellow dear man. Rose Weiss, Los Angeles CA"
"Dear Marguerite and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. May the precious memories of Dick be a comfort to you now. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all at this sad time. Anne and David Humphries..... Sevierville, TN..... "
"Dick Dale warmed up to get ready for his Lawrence Welk gig playing sax in my dad's 10 piece dance band: Ray Cook's Rhythm Club in Algona. They performed at all the northern Iowa hot spots like the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. And then when the chance came, he became part of the champagne music of Lawrence Welk. Don Cook, Loveland CO "
"Dick and I were in the same high school class. In our high school annual I was pleased to see Dick in the picture of the wrestling team with me. I now live in Long Beach, California but was real pleased to be with Dick on some of our annual high school reunions on the home coming weekend. I try to usually show up with a convertible so Dick and Fritz Nielsen and I could do the parade. Yes, he is a great example of "The Spirit of Algona". Now he can continue the spirit with Lawrence Welk. Howard Genrich Algona High '43"
"Dear Dale Family, I had the pleasure of meeting Dick in Branson for some of the Lawrence Welk specials. He was very gracious and friendly. He was such a talented and wonderful musician and singer. My thoughts and prayer are with all the family at this sad time of sorrow and grief. Loraine Alberga (Welknote)"
"We are dedicated Lawrence Welk fans. Our favorite performer is Dick Dale. He sang splendidly no matter the song, scenery or costume. When he was part of the band, he knew how to be a part of the band. Our hearts go out to you. "
"Dear Dale Family: My sincere sympathy on the loss of Dick. I am 56 yrs old and grew up watching the Welk show from our family dinner table in Cedar Rapids. We enjoyed the entire Welk family, but especially Dick Dale. He was a fantastic entertainer, and a great example of an Iowa youngster done good. I remember vividly Dick performing to the tune "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime", and he did it better than Dean Martin. In 1994, I had the chance to see Dick live at the Rainbow Theater. I was the youngest person in the crowd that night, but it just proved his audience age range was vast. He was so gracious when I chatted with him during intermission. Thank you Dick Dale for the great memories. May perpetual light shine upon him. Kevin Kucera, Adrian, Michigan"
"I never got to hear him play. I never knew him as a musician. To me, Mr. Dale was the cool dad in the neighborhood who was always on TV. I knew he made his living playing music, but I rarely watched the show (I think it was on past my bedtime). When I did, I would spend a half-hour intently watching the screen, scanning the scenes, trying to catch a glimpse of Mr. Dale. "There he is! That's my friend's Dad. I know him!" My Dad was an accountant. My next-door neighbor's dad sold RV's. Mr. Dale played music on TV. This sounded like a no-brainer career choice to me. Mr. Dale had a beautiful house with a pool, and he was relaxed and happy. Why would anyone want to become an accountant when you could have all that and a job on TV? Later in life I realized how rare this kind of success is, and how much talent, drive and, I think importantly, like-ability you need to succeed in the entertainment business. Mr. Dale had all that. He was warm, friendly, funny and tall. As a young neighborhood kid, I would invariably wind up at his house to hang out with his son, David. You always felt welcome in the Dale household, and it wasn't unusual for Mr. Dale to goof around with us from time to time. My hope is that the pain of the loss the Dale family is feeling now will pass before too long, and the family will be left with warm memories of a special person. "
"Mrs. Dale and family, Dick was one of my favorites. He reminded me of an uncle of mine. I never had the opportunity to see him perform in person as dearly would have liked to. My sympathy to you all. Sharon Stark (Welknotes)"
"My deep sympathy to the Dale family. Dick was probably the most versatile band member and one of my favorite performers. I was able to see and meet him twice in person. He was the classic gentleman. I am sure he's playing and singing in heaven. Jim BoehlerHe will be in prayer."
"Sincerest condolences to the family of a wonderful musician and singer, whom I only "know" by watching the Lawrence Welk Show" with my grandmother and parents, all those years ago and my husband now on PBS. We have never met him, however believe that such a great performer must have been a truly wonderful person. Again sincerest sympathies to his family, friends and fans. "
"In the early 1950s, Dick made a trip from California to Iowa and he wanted to visit an Iowa farm. I think he was with one of Joe and Theresa Eich's daughters and she brought Dick to our farm north of Algona. Dick wanted some pictures to show his "city friends" and so he had one taken in our small orchard of him sitting on our Shetland pony, Pepper. Dick's feet nearly touched the ground! Every time since then whenever I saw Dick on the Welk show, I always remembered his visit. Prayers for Dick and his family."
"When we met, my wife and I discovered we both grew up enjoying the Welk Show. Many of our Saturday night dates began by watching the show, waiting especially to see Dick perform. Laura's mother, Vienna, had grown up with Dick. Years later we were thrilled to meet him, most recently this past summer at The Chrome. He was as gracious then as he had been, and will continue to be, on our television. Thank you, Dick, for entertaining us and for coming back home. May God bless your family."
"It was a great pleasure seeing Dick again after playing with the Lawrence Welk Band sixty years ago at which time he was so comforting as I was nervous 17 year old. I never forgot his kindness. In the years that passed, I moved from California to Iowa and when I heard that he had moved back to Algona, I called him to thank him. From that conversation, Dick agreed to sing with my band, Tom Steinkoenig's Sentimental Swing. At that time, we had just received a grant to be used for the band to perform at a dance. After making plans for a free dance and when he found out it was going to be at a Dodge dealership, he agreed to do a half hour show (since Dodge had sponsored the Welk Show for TV for many years) with my band accompanying him. That was the beginning of a relationship that Ruth and I shall never forget - after that performance, he appeared with my band six more times before he decided to retire for good. Ruth also enjoyed singing with Dick during some of the performances. Dick was a true gentleman and friend to both of us. We shall never forget his and Marguerite's friendship. "
"I grew up with parents that watched Lawrence Welk every Saturday night. Dick was a great player and performer and will be greatly missed. Look out for the musical Angels because him and Lawrence will be leading them now. God Bless you all Peggy Manwarren"
"My mother, Dorothy (Hoover) Schmidt sat next to Dick Dale in band (saxophone) while students at Algona High School. She never missed the Lawrence Welk Show and was able to see Dick perform in Davenport Iowa a few years back and get to talk to him back stage.............. My mom has since passed.....but the memories of Dick Dale live on.................. God Bless your Family during this difficult time."
"I have so many memories of Dick when he became a "Tennessean." Such a classy, talented and charming person. Thank you Dick for your encouragement to me during unrest times. May God's presence be felt, bringing comfort and peace to the family at this time. "
"Although we did not know Dick Dale personally, we would like to express our sympathy to his family. My husband & I, ages 60 & 57,are huge Dick Dale fans! If we are home on Saturday night, we always watch Lawrence Welk. Dick gave the impression that he was a very kind & thoughtful man. Seeing the other tributes here, sounds like he was just that. We were in Algona last fall & hoped to catch a glimpse of him somewhere, even stopped at the Post Office to inquire about him, but we didn't want to invade his privacy. Thank goodness his music will live on. "
"My heart is sad for the family and his wife that will miss him. He was a fine man that had three wonderful sons and daughter. I am privileged to know his wonderful family. Our families will be praying for yours. Carolyn Simpson Kingsport, TN"
"Dick was a perfect gentleman and a fine musician. I had the opportunity to play drums the past 10 years for some of his Iowa shows. He always drew a large audience of fans and shared a story with everyone during his autograph sessions. What a beautiful Bass -Baritone voice that will last for ever on many recordings. What a wonderful musical life. He is making music with the Welk Family in Heaven now. "
"My heart is sad. I am thankful that he blessed the world with his talent. God be with his family, friends, and many fans. He will be very missed."
"My memories of Dick Dale include riding in one of Algona's many parade with him in the 60's ! Very warm and loving gentleman who was proud of his hometown and the people who had touched his life. I know he enjoyed bringing his family back to expreience where he grew up and spend time with their cousins. My prayers are with the Dale family. Sue McEvoy & the CJ McEvoy Family"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Dale family today. It was a pleasure meeting Dick on one of the Welk tours in Canada. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
He will truly be missed. "