Dale George Holt of Clear Lake, SD passed away after a brief illness in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Saturday, December 5, 2020. A Celebration of Life in remembrance of him will be at a date to be determined.

Dale G. Holt was born on November 16, 1935, on the family farm at Clear Lake, South Dakota. His parents were Claude Leo and Eva Irene Rupp Holt. He grew to manhood there, on a farm that was opened to agriculture by his grandparents soon after South Dakota established statehood. His heritage of hardy Pennsylvanians and Norwegians, who arrived here on tall sailing ships, includes early immigrants, pioneers and a great-grandfather who was a Civil War soldier in attendance at the surrender at Appomattox.

Dale was always recognized by his given name. From his beginnings in a one-room country school and a city high school on the South Dakota Prairie to Middle School and High Schools during the winters in North Hollywood, California, he developed the foundation of his "Never met a Stranger" personality that gained him the large number of people who love him and called him friend. It was in that prairie high school where Dale met his future wife Adina Schmahl. In 1956, Dale George Holt and Adina Schmahl were married on the coldest day of the year, January 15, 1956. But for Corvid-19, this would have been their 65th Wedding Anniversary. He cherished her for all of their 67 years together and she will love him forever.

Dale's higher education began at Los Angeles College. He graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science, from the College of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota in 1959. While there, he was a member of and graduated from the Army ROTC with a minor in Military Science. His continuing education included insurance licensing and Business and Real Estate studies at the University of South Dakota.

Dale G. Holt served his country as a Lieutenant with the Military Police in the California Army National Guard. Dale had over 60 years of experience in the funeral industry with a Mortician's License in California and South Dakota. His calling to be a mortician began early in life, following on the heels of his great-grandfather, grandfather and uncle. Dale began his career in Gardena, California, in 1959. He held positions in management and ownership in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and worked in Lompoc, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, California and in Vermillion and Clear Lake, South Dakota. During a respite from the mortuary trade, he and his wife, Adina owned a Flower Shop in Vermillion South Dakota and later, worked in New Jersey at an Automated Test Equipment company named "inTest Corporation" that was founded by his brother Alyn Richard Holt.

He had a charter membership and was an officer in service clubs that contribute time and treasure to helping others. While he was a member of the Optimist Club they helped originate, organize and support Punt, Pass and Kick which now is a function of the NFL. Dale was awarded a Lifetime Membership of Optimist International. While living in Ventura County, Dale was Advancement Chairman of the local Boy Scout Council. He and his wife attended many stage productions put on by the Boy's Home residents in Los Angeles. He was active in numerous Civic and Community organizations where, in recognition of his work and contributions to youth, he was a recipient of the California Founders Day Award, an honorary member of the PTA, and honored as a Jaycees Man of the Year.

Along with his wife, Dale Holt has authored a memoir about their life and incidents in the funeral business. Their book is called "OUR LIFE UNDERTAKING, The Path We Chose". It chronicles their unusual experiences in that profession as well as complex encounters in their otherwise routine life.

Dale appreciated his life and loved his family and friends; he loved them all as if they were his children. He especially liked family gatherings and get-togethers with his friends. He adored his employees. He was fond of football and watched it whenever he could, but most of all he loved fishing and the many forays he spent there at the lake or stream. He hadn't gone fishing in recent years but earlier this fall he told us "I think I'll go ice fishing this year." Can they do that in Heaven?

Dale Holt is survived by his wife Adina of Clear Lake, South Dakota, nephews and nieces: Robert Lane and Gary (Ingrid) Lane, North Dakota, David (Mona) Lane, Minnesota, Randy (Sue) Holt, Nebraska, Steve Kreiter, Carey (Kim) Holt and Karna (Marty) Stroschein, South Dakota, Kristen Holt (Brian) Thompson, Florida, many in-law nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and many, many friends.

A large group awaited Dale in Heaven. He was preceded in death by one child who died before birth, his parents, sister Genie Holt Lane, brothers: Paul K.Holt, C.Lyle Holt, Alyn Richard Holt, his father-in-law August Schmahl, mother-in-law Louise Schmahl, twelve sisters-in-law, twelve brothers-in-law, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

The Service starts at 1 pm, Central Standard Time.