Dale Person

Dale Arne Person, 69 died peacefully on August 25, 2017 at his home in Helena after a long 10 year battle against kidney cancer. Dale was born in Powers Lake, North Dakota on November 17, 1947 to Royal and Borghild Person. He was raised in Columbus North Dakota and joined the United States Navy on March 16, 1965 before graduating from high school. Dale completed two tours on the USS Ranger and one tour on the USS Hancock during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in San Diego and San Francisco and graduated from high school at Coronado High School, California. While in the Navy he received several awards and was honorably discharged in 1971.
On November 30, 1968 Dale married Wanda Joan Stradtman in Sidney Montana. They moved to Helena in August of 1969, where their three daughters were born and raised. Dale attended the Helena Votech and worked part time at Floyd Hoff’s Exxon Station.
In 1972, Dale started working for Northwest Paramont, which was the beginning of his career in wholesale plumbing sales. For the next 40 years Dale worked for Amfac Supply, Iron Oak Supply and MDM Supply as the outside salesman and eventually specialized in selling industrial supplies.
Dale spent many volunteer hours with the local service clubs; the VFW Post 10010, the “Cooties” group, the East Helena Jaycees, Campfire Kids, and the Kiwanis. Dale was an active member of the First Lutheran Church since 1969.
Dale was always busy with his many hobbies; working in his wood shop, attending car shows, playing his guitar, singing to his family, visiting fellow Veterans at the VA Hospital, and watching the weekly NASCAR races. He was able to travel to several NASCAR races over the years in Arizona, Nevada and Texas with family and friends. He loved to watch the Andy Griffith Show and Gunsmoke, and his hero was John Wayne. Dale was a true hero to all who knew him and a true American Patriot.
Preceded him in death; his parents Royal and Borghild Person, two infant sisters Barbara and Rebecca Person, and brother in law, Joe Stewart.
Dale is survived by many family members and friends who loved him, including his wife of 48 years Wanda Joan Stradtman Person; his three daughters; Barbara O’Connell (Rusty) of Corvallis Montana; Jeannie Lake (John) of Clancy Montana; Hiedi Bulkley (Craig) of Spokane, Washington. His grandchildren and great grandchildren; Roman Glenn (Emilie, Taliah); Lena and Cody Deppmeier (Tucker); Alexandra Ingels, Kyle Lake and Georgia (Veda); Laci Lake (Xander); Ben and Holly Bulkley (Jayden, Kole, Nathan); Chris and Heather Carroll (Brooke, Hailey); Blaine and Mary O’Connell (Liam, Tyson, Beau); Dennis and Amy O’Connell (Elly, Cora). His Brothers: Roger and Mary Person (Michael and Crystal), Bruce and Alice Person (Nancy, Tammy, Helen). Brothers and Sisters In Law: Lester and Mary Stradtman, Jon and Gail Stradtman, Tim and Penny Stradtman, Beverly Stewart, Honalaura and Frank Ruhr, LuCinda (Toni) and Roger Corder, and Julie and John Malensek. Lifelong friends: Bob and Jane McGlynn, Steve Tjaden, Howard Jenkins, John Hinther, Lou Dumas and all of the old MDM crew.
On Friday, September 1st, a Celebration of Life will be held at the First Lutheran Church 2231 Broadway in Helena at 1:00. Military Honors Service at 3:00 at the Montana Veteran’s Cemetery, 3550 Hero’s Road, Fort Harrison. Reception following at the VFW Post 10010; 117 West Main Street in East Helena. We hope you can join us at this informal gathering where friends and family will share stories, music and memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Dale’s name to the First Lutheran Church and School located at 2231 Broadway, Helena MT.
A special thank you to St Peters Hospital Hospice, the VA Hospital, and Pastor Miller of the First Lutheran Church.

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