I have known Dale for over 40 years. Our friendship began with Dale doing service on my cars and grew over the years. First and foremost, Dale was just a good person. Dale took care of so many people that just could not afford a new car or some expensive part and would always find a way to help them. He was an outstanding mechanic and fundamentally a great problem solver. I will miss stopping by to talk about the latest news, local and world. Every time I drive by his house, I will remember how lucky I was to have him as a friend.

Dale kept my cars running for over 20 years. He was not only my mechanic but also a very good friend. He always found time to help and went the extra mile to see that my vehicles were mechanically sound and safe. We had many discussions about local and national politics. Often did not agree but remained friends in spite of our different views. That’s how we got along so well over the years. He was one of a kind and I miss him.

Ray Hamilton

RIP Dale! I knew Dale a long time. He was a very pragmatic person and wasn't shy about sharing his view of what was going on in the world. He was the go-to mechanic for a lot of people operating out of his small garage. You could find a lot of law enforcement employees bringing their personal vehicle's to him to take care of. Little did I know that a lifelong friendship would start when I asked Dale to watch my then 16 year old son Matthew change the oil in my truck at Dale's garage. Matthew was sure he could do it; I told Dale I would pay him to make sure Matt did it correctly. I didn't pick up on it right away but figured out much later that Matt continued to go to Dale's garage and would help him and learn how to do various auto repair jobs. That continued for almost 30 years until Dale's passing. It has been sad watching Dale weakened. He will be sorely missed by family and friends. He now can reconnect with JJ Gettings and keep John's heavenly vehicles running again.

I only knew Dale in passing , put he seemed like he was a great guy and great mechanic. My condolences to the Jensen family .

So sorry to learn of Dale’s passing. I worked with him at Smitty’s Arco starting my senior year of high school with him, Ted Mc, Craig W, and a kid from Dundee as Smitty’s first crew at his newly purchased gas station, detailing bay & automotive repair shop on the NE Corner of Liberty & Elm Streets. What a fantastic business Smitty’s had there. Smitty’s would buy tractor trailer loads of tire, oil, anti freeze and other automotive products and we’d all meet at his barn on South Ave near Slaughterhouse Rd (Punk Hoban’s former place) to unload the trucks.

I bought my first vehicle while working there, a 1974 Ford F-100 that had a dent on every panel & needed a valve job; a truck I bought from Jeff Smart for 50-bucks. Dale set me up good with the repair in exchange for a Crossman CO2 BB Pistol I had. That truck ran forever and took a real beating at the nearby sand banks. Dale took several of those rides with me. Fond memories for sure. My condolences to Freddy and the rest of the family! Rest in Peace Dale!

Dale was a great man, a great mechanic, and a friend to my family for many years. He would go out of his way to help others. My father would visit Dale at his shop behind his house, either to have coffee and doughnuts or simply have a beer break while talking about the meaning of life. Dale had some health issues over the last few years, but he would always help my mother out with her vehicle problems whenever she gave him a call. Dale was serious most of the time, but every now and then his humor would come out and we would all have a good laugh. Rest in peace Dale. You will be missed by many.