Dale T. Rehberger was born on May 16, 1938, to Albert and Mildred Rehberger, joining big brother Georgie at their family home in Fairhaven where Dale spent all of his childhood and teenage years.
He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1957.
Dale met his future wife Norine Droullard in high school. A twenty-five-cent bet was on the table that Dale was going to give Norine her first kiss on a ride home from school. That was a lot of money back then. They were married on August 14, 1959. That kiss lasted sixty-four years.
Their son Bryan was born on July 9, 1960, and daughter LaDonna on November 4, 1961.
Dale worked many jobs in his young married life but was hired by Georgia Pacific in 1966 where he worked as a winder man and machine operator until he retired in 2000. After retiring, he and Norine headed out across the country in a motor home. They very much enjoyed camping and motor homing for many years, especially when the grandkids came along with them.
Dale was known as a quiet man and very much liked by all who met him and had a clever sense of humor. He spent his last few years enjoying working jigsaw puzzles with family and friends. Dale passed away on April 13, 2024.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and very sadly, his son Bryan. Also, son-in-law Paul Elvig.
Dale is survived by his wife Norine, his daughter LaDonna Elvig, his daughter-in-law Dawn Rehberger, grandchildren Ken Elvig, Leslie and her husband Douglas Aaron, Josh Rehberger and fiancé Ashley Farnsworth, Emily Dreste, and Andrew Tabor. Sisters-in-law, Arlene Gaulke, and Lauren Ellison, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was loved by and will be missed by many, including neighbors and friends.
Graveside service will be at Greenacres Memorial Park in Bellingham on Friday, April 26, at 2:00 PM.