Dale Richard Burkhouse

Dale Richard Burkhouse, 65, of Bay Shore, Michigan passed away at Traverse City Munson Hospital, on March 17, 2026, the feast day of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, the Patron Saint of Cats.

Dale was born in Wilkinsburg, PA of James and Gwendolyn (Smith) Burkhouse. He grew up in Wilkinsburg and Richmond, Ohio. He attended Richmond Public Schools and graduated in 1978 from Jefferson Union High School where he received the Senior Athletic Award. He was a volunteer fireman for the Richmond area and operated a jackhammer on his summer breaks. He went on to Ohio University to receive a Bachelor of Science in Health with a minor in Athletic Training. He continued his education at Michigan Technological University, (MTU,) earning a Master of Science in Biological Sciences.

Dale dated his girlfriend, Jenifer (Murphy) Burkhouse for eleven and ½ years before proposing to her. While laughing, he would tell people that his mom told him to “take it slow.” At the time Dale worked as an athletic trainer, (ATC,) for MTU and Jeni baked 60 dozen cookies for every away game for the MTU Football team. They married on the MTU Football field and had their union blessed at St. Albert the Great University Catholic Church in Houghton, MI.

Dale had a passion and dedication for athletic training, believing that any contact sport should have an ATC at their events. He was a member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA,) the Michigan Athletic Trainer’s Society (MATS,) Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association, (GLATA,) and the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers Association (WATA). Dale worked tirelessly for state licensure for all athletic trainers and received a Certificate of Appreciation from MATS. He served on the GLATA Executive Board as a Treasurer and Michigan State Representative. He was recognized with a Dedicated Service Award for his “Exceptional Contributions and Service in furthering the goals and vision of GLATA” as well as the prestigious Captain of the Great Lakes Award for his exemplary service leadership, professionalism, and contributions to the GLATA membership.

During his lengthy career, Dale enjoyed using his strategic thinking, effective communication, and empathetic skills to improve and grow his and others' personal and professional potential while making a difference for the businesses that he worked for. He encouraged his employees to “Think Big” and “Take on the challenge and have the confidence that you can make a difference!” Dale was the CEO/Owner of U.P. Sports Medicine and Therapy Center in Marquette, MI. Upon moving to Houghton, he was an Academic Advisor for MTU’s Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics and a certified Athletic Trainer, (ATC.) He also worked for Portage Health in Hancock, MI as a Director of Rehab Services and Sports Medicine, and ThedaCare Health System in Wautoma, WI as the Manager of Rehab Services and Sleep. Most recently he served as Manager of Rehab Services for Mary Free Bed/Munson Hospital in Charlevoix, MI.

In the mid 2000’s, Dale completed Floral Design I at Koehler & Dramm Institute of Floristry in Minneapolis, MN. Dale then purchased the Kukkakauppa Flower Shop in Hancock, MI and opened the Bloomin’ Yooper in Houghton, MI. When Dale and Jen moved to the horrid Green Bay Packer state, WI, for Dale’s work, Jen started managing the Pioneer Floral Shop in Wautoma, WI. Dale would come in after his work and water the green house and outdoor plants, set up and direct deliveries on busy holidays and built structures for floral designs.

He is survived by the love of his life - his wife Jeni, his children that followed in his footsteps and grew into respectable, responsible, compassionate and loving adults: Christopher (Jennifer Lescher) Gast, Kelly (Alan Timonen) Gast, Lisa Wolf, Nickolas (Kate Griffith) Gast, Thomas (Katherine Barshaw) Gast, Rebecca (Marvin Kassabian) Gast, Andrew “Skip” Gast, and Jenna (Scott) Harry as well as the grandson who made his last days the best ever – Theodore Harry.

He enjoyed spoiling his Godchildren/Grandchildren, Ava, Amira, and Kylie Rauvala. He was proud that he could have a hand in guiding them to follow their faith and dreams while playing jokes and making them laugh.

He is survived by his sister Sharyn (Michael) Zembower and brother Douglas (Wendy Aikens) Burkhouse and several nieces and nephews.

His beloved cats, Ambassador Fluffer Buddy and Lady Izabella will continue to look out the window for their “daddy.”

Dale will be remembered for his selflessness, dry wit and humor, and belief in “Think Big” by improving the world around him.

An informal Celebration of Life will be held April 25, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the Hayes Township Hall, 9195 Major Douglas Sloan Road, Charlevoix. In true Dale fashion, everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite team shirt/jersey.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.