Dale Kilmer

Dale Elias Kilmer, 72

Lifelong resident Dale E. Kilmer, who made his home in Alanson, passed from this life very suddenly on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at McLaren Northern Michigan. 

Dale’s family are planning a public gathering to remember and honor his life in the coming spring of 2021.  That service will be announced by Stone Funeral Home.

Dale’s life began on July 5, 1948 when he was born in Petoskey to Urias and Rhoda (Gregory) Kilmer.  He grew up in Alanson and was graduate of Alanson High School.  He shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army.  He entered service on March 5, 1968 and served in the United States and in Germany, where he was assigned duty as a heavy vehicle driver.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on February 24, 1970. 

On April 2, 1971 Dale married Rose Ann Dickey in Alanson.  They were a loving and dedicated couple who shared 47 years of marriage and together raised two children, Malissa and Dale.  Sadly Rose preceded Dale in death on April 19, 2018. 

From his earliest years Dale found that he had a gift and a fondness for working with wood.  He became after a time a Master Carpenter.  His creative mind and talented hands have over the years built everything from family homes, to toys for children and cradles for babies.       

The following story by Dale’s daughter Malissa, describes best his character and the dedication he felt towards the families for whom he built homes.  “We…dad, Dale Lloyd, Keith and I, were helping put the finishing touches on one of dad’s remodeling projects; this was around the time when dad had experienced his first heart attack.  We handed the customer the keys to her home, as I made the final pass through, to ensure everything was just right.  It was obvious how pleased she was, and with tears welling up in her eyes she asked how dad could just walk away from his beautiful work?  I said to her, I think dad knows that long after he is gone, the efforts of his work will still be here.  And with that, she smiled and said you’re right.  To our family remember this about our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend….His work still stands, and will for many years even after the rest of us who loved him so dearly are all gone.  Dad left beauty in his wake.”  His presence in the lives of those who survive him will be forever felt, and he will be truly missed by his pals in the unofficial “Alanson Morning Coffee Club”. 

Dale is survived by his two children Malissa M. (Keith) Grissom and Dale L. Kilmer (MacKenzie Myers), by his grandsons Kaleb J. Grissom, Alexander J. Kilmer, and Blake Blake E. Grissom, all of Alanson.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Donald (Sarah) Kilmer, Merlin Kilmer, Joyce Bellmer and Nora Hallenbeck, and by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Dale was preceded in death by his wife Rose, his sister Avis Kendig, his brother Kenneth and by his parents. 

Dale’s family ask that for those wishing to remember him with a charitable contribution consider helping a veteran, or a family in need during the upcoming holiday time, or through a donation to a local animal shelter. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dale Kilmer, please visit our floral store.