Dale Deering

When we remember Dale Deering, words such as hardworking, loyal, and resourceful come to mind, yet it was his unending love for his family that will be his lasting legacy. He was a no frills sort of man who believed in giving everything his all. Although he was more restrained in showing affection, Dale loved to tease his family and friends, leaving no doubt in their minds of just how deeply they were loved. A man of character, humility, and quiet strength, his memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all those within his reach. The decade of the thirties was a time that was cloaked in hardship due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. With an unemployment rate that soared to well over 20 percent, countless Americans were without work, looking for whatever they could do to make ends meet. Amidst this trying time there was great anticipation for one bustling family from Grandville, Michigan, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their sixth child. Their wait was over on August 2, 1934, when baby Dale drew his first breath. He was the second youngest child to be born to his parents, Jacob and Maude (Albright) Deering, joining his older siblings, Joan, Irene, Charles Bud, Thelma, and Jack, and his younger sister, Helen. Dales father worked as a foreman at Grand Rapids Gravel in Grandville while his mother was a busy homemaker. He was raised on the family farm located next to Grandville High School, and at an early age Dale was put to work. He diligently milked the cows and plowed gardens not only for his family, but for other families as well since he was quite skilled at maneuvering their family tractor. Sadly, Dale came to know tragedy at a young age. When he was ten years old some members of the family were in a devastating car accident in which Dales mother was killed. Dale almost lost his leg and suffered a broken jaw while his brother, Bud, had a serious eye injury and his sister, Helen, had a head injury. Some time later Buds father died following an accident at the gravel pit where he worked. Even as a young boy Dale was one to keep busy. He enjoyed going hunting and fishing with his brothers, and although their family usually kept close to home they did go out to the moving picture shows when they were able. Dale loved to box and was a local Golden Glove champion in Grand Rapids. He was known to antagonize at times just to start a fight. From the time they were young boys Dale and his brother, Bud, were best friends. When Bud left for the Army, Dale drove down to Texas to visit him on one occasion. New and exciting changes were in store for Dale when he met the young girl with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Betty Vineyard and they met on a blind date. After falling in love, the couple became engaged when Dale was 19 and his sweetheart was just 17. They became husband and wife after Betty graduated from high school on June 23, 1956, in Jenison. Together they were blessed with one daughter, Dalene, and three sons, Donald, Steven, and John. Initially the Deering family lived in Jenison, but since the city would not allow Dale to raise chickens in their area they looked for other options. Bud located a good parcel of land for them in Nunica and although Dale initially thought it would be too far out, he fell in love with it from the moment he saw it. The Deerings bought that eighty acre farm and much of the work became a family affair, especially when it was time to pick to corn. Although there was hard work to be done during the week, Sundays were always a day of rest and to enjoy the chicken dinner with freshly baked bread that Betty made. Everyone knew that if Dad was napping later that afternoon, they had better not wake him! Throughout his life Dale was known for his strong work ethic. He got a job at Grand Rapids Gravel from the time he was just 16, but he secured the position all on his own without any influence from his father. Dale was a hard worker who eventually became a millwright, but since he was very handy by nature he also drove a dumpster, did some welding, and took care of maintenance at times as well. Dale worked many hours, often working overtime, too, and other than being laid off for two weeks he never missed a day of work. He was a very strict father who also expected his children to work hard, and to toe the line, too. With so much to do at home, Dale usually didnt like going anywhere, but there were special visits to John Ball Zoo, fishing excursions near Baldwin, and mushrooming on occasion. It doesnt come as a surprise that Dale even butchered his own meat, a skill he learned from his grandfather who was a butcher by trade, at first using a hand saw but later using an electric saw. There were so many things that made Dale such a unique man. He could be mischievous at times, like the time he went out hitting mailboxes during his younger years, and he was a real jokester as well. As his friends and family can attest Dale never did anything in moderation - if the store could furnish him with 10 cases of Strohs beer - great - but if they could give him 15 it was all the better. Dale was fiercely protective of his daughter, and she was held to a strict curfew. If a young man showed up on a motorcycle, he would be sent on his way as Dale did not want her riding on a motorcycle. He and his brother continued to be best friends, and they often got together to enjoy a beer or two on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons - and well into the evening hours, too. Dale was devastated with Buds death this past August. A devoted worker, loving family man, and true friend, Dale Deering made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. He enjoyed so many things, but nothing was ever more precious to him than spending time with those he loved. Dale will be deeply missed. Dale Deering died Friday, December 9, 2011. Dales family includes his wife, Betty; daughter, Dalene (Rob) Potratz of Baldwin & Fruitport; sons, Donald (Theresa) Deering of Cloverville, Steven (Patricia) Deering of Ravenna, John (Tammi) Deering of Nunica; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Thelma Deering, Helen Deering, Irene Antor; brother, Jack Deering. Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Bud" Deering; and sister, Joan Hazen. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Pastor Don Wood officiating. Visit with Dales family and friends on Wednesday for 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the guestbook.