Dale Pretzer

Dale H. Pretzer, 77, of Grand Haven, MI, passed away after many years of declining health. Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he will be greatly missed for his wit and great heart. He was an avid reader and researcher with a wide variety of interests. The following statement was in his own words: "He was and is no longer. After depriving his mother of lunch on August 10, 1934, he joined his parents, Max and Eleanor Shay Pretzer to be the first of their family in Saginaw, Michigan. Since then his sisters Carroll Pretzer Spiegelhalter and Clea Pretzer Lupien joined them, and they have all passed on. His brother Duane Pretzer remains. Dale always felt that despite his negative upsets, he has been fortunate in his experiences. His years at Arthur Hill High gave him experience as a debater and speaker, which he used throughout his life. After a few years he went on to Central Michigan University and graduated with majors in English and Speech. He completed graduate work and degrees at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, taught adjunct classes at MSU, Western Michigan University, and Grand Valley State University. It was during his years as Assistant to the Director at MSU that he met his wife of 40 years, Yvonne LeDuc, who survives him. He then became Deputy State Librarian and later retired from his position of Director of Hackley Public Library in Muskegon, MI. He and Yvonne retired to Florence, OR, and then returned to Grand Haven, after 12 years on the West Coast. Dale enjoyed research and writing and has several writings to his credit. He was among the first to document activities of transformation of digital forms to alpha characters and the basis of today's computer searching. He wrote on library activities and history of buildings. In Florence he wrote and helped edit several historical items and promoted the Florence Relay for Life program. He was active in research and writing for the Oregon Coast Aquarium. He strongly believed in the programs of Rotary International and was the member of several clubs over 25 years. He holds a Paul Harris Fellow. In his later years he was interested in tracing family history and studying DNA changes and migrations of people from Africa to various parts of the world." Dale held life memberships in University of Michigan Alumni, Central Michigan University Alumni Associations, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. SURVIVORS Dale is survived by his wife, Yvonne; daughter, Michelle (Darren) Bourdo, Rio Vista, CA; son, Paul Pretzer, Grand Haven; and stepson, David Scott Barnes, Lansing; brother, Duane (Sue) Pretzer, Saginaw; sister-in-law, Delpha Jeanne "Hittie" (Fred "Bud") Dawe, Spring Lake; brother-in-law, Dennis Lupien, Clio; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Eleanor (Shay) Pretzer, sisters mentioned above, sister-in-law, Lorraine "Rainie" Bevis, and granddaughter, Colette Barnes. SERVICE He has asked that there be no memorial or graveside service. Expressions of concern may be given to Rotary International or the Muskegon Community Foundation. Cremains will be placed at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing, MI.