Dale French

Dale Patrick French, 74, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.  Please join the family at a gathering in Dale’s honor at his Aberdeen home, 1006 South Penn St., from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on April 15, 2023.

Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.aberdeenfuneralhome.com.

Dale Patrick French was born December 1,1948, in Huron, South Dakota to John and Irene (Palmer) French.  He was one of nine children.  Following in the footsteps of older siblings Dale enlisted in the United States Army serving from 1967 to 1970 when he was Honorably Discharged.  For his service Dale received the Vietnam Service Medal Award with two Bronze Service Stars, the National Defense Medal, , Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Purple Hearts and the Code of Conduct Medal. 

Dale lived in Huron until 1976 when he moved his wife Evonne Addison and family north to Ashton, then Doland, and later Redfield, SD. Dale put his hand to many things to support his family.  He was a mechanic, staff at SDDC, a farm hand, and went to LATI for welding.  Eventually, he became the Produce manager then Meat Department manager at a Redfield, SD grocery store.  Dale was a lifetime member of the Redfield, SD American Legion.  Upon his retirement in 2000 Dale moved to Aberdeen where he resided until the time of his death.

While his children were growing up Dale enjoyed coaching youth sports. Being a lifetime South Dakotan, he loved fishing and hunting.  During retirement he was excited to pass that on to his grandchildren.  He was their #1 fan and couldn’t seem to get enough time with them playing games and watching their events. 

Dale loved to get a laugh or a rise out of everyone, always doing so in fun.  He never went anywhere without trying to convince someone to give him a bag of hundred-dollar bills.  As much as he loved to joke around, he loved his family more.  His daughter Erin joyfully greeted him in Heaven, and finally they are together again.    

Grateful for having shared Dale’s life are his three children: Carla Addison of Aberdeen, SD, Tara Gaulrapp of Aberdeen, SD, and Robert (Kellie) French of Aberdeen, SD; four grandchildren: Kelsey, Quinton, Meredith, and Hallie; and three sisters: Elizabeth (Dale) Hult of Sioux Falls, SD, Rose (Kim) French of Florida, and Sheri (Jeff) Decker of Huron, SD.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Erin French; three brothers; two sisters; and his beloved dog, Gunner.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dale French, please visit our floral store.