Dale Atkinson

L. Dale Atkinson, age 96, of Grand Rapids, passed away on September 4, 2017.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jean.  Dale is survived by his son, David (Patti) Atkinson, daughter, Barbara (Louis) Lanwermeyer; four grandchildren, Emily Atkinson, David (Audra) Atkinson, Laura (Matthew Slater) Lanwermeyer and Stephen (Rachel Brown) Lanwermeyer; four great grandchildren, Benjamin, Caleb, Bowman and Waylon; brother Bill Atkinson, sister Irene Haizman and many other family members.

Dale was a native of Detroit and, following graduation from South High School, he joined the US Air Force in 1942, serving in the UK and French theaters with an Honorable Discharge in 1945. 

He enjoyed a successful sales career in the heavy equipment industry, retiring as VP and Manager in 1976.

He had many interests including his golf game, service through the Kiwanis and supporting the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.  More importantly, Dale was a loving husband, a caring father and an adoring grand and great grandpa. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.  He was a really good guy.

A celebration of life service will be held 10AM on Friday, September 8 at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 134 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, with a reception immediately following in the parish hall.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Golden K Kiwanis Club of Grand Rapids, or the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York City, NY 10065.

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