Dale E. Gacek

Dale E. Gacek, age 70, passed away on April 15, 2019 at his home in Hawley, MN.

Dale was born on March 25, 1949 in Minneapolis, MN to Alden and Doris (Carlstedt) Gacek.  He grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and attended Edison High School.

In 1969, Dale was drafted into the United States Army where he spent a year in Germany.  He was on active duty until 1971.  Later that year, he met his future wife and devoted companion, Cheri Hudson.  They were married in March of 1972 and settled in Columbia Heights, MN a few years later. They welcomed their first child, Christopher, in 1973.  Richard followed in 1976 and Michele in 1979.  They lived in Columbia Heights until 1991 when Dale’s employer, Rapat Corporation, moved to Hawley.  Dale commuted for a year between Columbia Heights and Hawley.  Cheri, Richard, and Michele moved to Hawley in 1992. He remained at Rapat for 40 years, retiring in 2017.

After retirement, Dale spent much of his time with his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed fishing and exploring Minnesota’s many lakes.  He loved sitting out on a lake or dock, teaching his grandkids the art of baiting a hook or taking a sunny off the line. Dale also enjoyed working on cars and being the household “fix-it” person.  At Christmas time, Dale became the house baker, making Christmas cookies with his grandchildren. His specialty was rosettes.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents Alden and Doris, his brother John, and wife Cheri.  Dale is survived by his three children Chris (Sarah), Richard, and Michele; grandchildren Cheyenne, Brendon, Eleanor, Abigail, and Isabella as well as many other loving family and friends.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the memorial service at 2:00 P.M, Friday, April 19, 2019, at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. Burial will be at Hawley Cemetery at a later date.