Dale R. VanBuskirk Sr., age 72, of Morral, died peacefully Sunday morning, March 1, 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family following a year long battle with stomach cancer.
On April 28, 1942, Dale was born in Marion, Ohio, one of ten children of the late Guy and Pauline (Lotz) VanBuskirk. He was raised in Marion, and graduated from Kenton High School.
Following graduation, Dale enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country for four years. He served aboard the Charles H. Roan, which was positioned outside of Cuba at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Upon his honorable discharge, Dale returned home to Marion, where he was quickly introduced to a young lady, Ann Hoffman, by her brother-in-law, Dale Stapleton, and the rest was history. They were married on October 1, 1966, and have cherished each other during their 48 years of marriage.
For over 35 years, Dale worked for the Eaton Corporation, later the Dana Corporation, as a furnace operator.
With a love for the outdoors, Dale enjoyed fishing, camping trips with his children and grandchildren, and gardening. He also loved traveling, no matter the distance, even if it was just heading into town.
Most important of all to Dale was his family. He especially shared a special bond with his grandchildren, whom he loved to spend time with.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Ann VanBuskirk of Morral; three children: Dale (Crystal) VanBuskirk of Marion, April (Steve) Miller of Bucyrus, and Charles VanBuskirk of London; four grandchildren: Abigail and Olivia VanBuskirk, and Nathan and Layton Miller; a brother, Bill (Penny Richardson) VanBuskirk of Marion; two sisters: Marie Fields of LaRue, and Nanette (Robert) Blevins of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Dale was preceded in death by two brothers: Robert and Nelson VanBuskirk; and four sisters: Carol Rizer, Elda Hoch, Wilma Jacobs, and Margaret Willis.
His family will greet friends from 5 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4th, at the Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors, 347 W. Center St., Marion. Prayer services will follow at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, at St. Mary Catholic Church (address below), with Father Thomas Buffer officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Marion County United Veterans Council in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 251 N. Main St., Marion, OH 43302.
Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors, a division of Snyder Funeral Homes, is honored to have been chosen to serve Dale’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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