Dale Chilson

dale chilson
Dale Lennon Chilson of Fargo, N.D. passed away on September 19, 2016 at the age of 79. He was at Bethany on 42nd Retirement Community at the time of his passing. Dale was born June 26, 1937 in Minot, N.D. to Agnes and Rudolph Chilson. Dale was the youngest of six children. He attended high school at Velva High in Velva, N.D. and received a B.A. in English from Minot State University where he was a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Alpha Psi Omega. Dale joined the Marines in 1956 and was honorably discharged as a Corporal E-4. Dale married Susan Charlene Christie on June 30, 1962 in Velva and they had four beautiful daughters and a marriage of almost 20 years before divorcing. Dale then married Karen Clara Goetsch May 27, 1982 in Fargo. They were married for several years before divorcing. Dale lived all his life in North Dakota. He did move around a bit though and lived in Velva, Minot, Bismarck, Fargo and West Fargo. His career centered on radio, advertising and sales. He was a disc jockey for KXJB Radio / KXMC TV and worked for the Minot Daily News, KFGO and KXJB-TV as an Ad Exec. He also worked for the North Dakota State Highway Patrol in Bismarck and was a copywriter / account representative at Harold Flint & Associates Advertising Agency in Fargo. Dale was a fixture in the community. He was involved in many organizations, most often in leadership positions including the Advertising Federation where he served as president, 1st Marine Division Association, Roughrider Detachment, Marine Corps League (Vice commandant), North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (trustee), 1979 National High School Finals Rodeo (publicity chairman), Sheyenne Red River Rodeo Club (President and Director/Advertising), Roughrider Rodeo Association of North Dakota, North Dakota Quarter Horse Association, Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival of Fargo Moorhead (publicity chairman) and the Head Injury Association of N.D. (VP and building committee). His interests included horses and related activities, announcing rodeos and horse shows, photography, Western art, writing, military history, jogging, bicycling and swimming. Dale also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, nieces/nephew and great nieces/nephews! All will miss him. Dale is survived by his four daughters, Michele Olson, Fargo; Beth (Michael) Dahl, Mansfield, TX; Suzanne (Kenny) Bishop, Phoenix, AZ and Jennifer (Adam) Gash, Mission Viejo, CA; six grandchildren Benjamin Olson, Emily Olson, Samantha Olson, Courtney Dahl, Rachel Dahl and Mason Gash; nieces Susan (Dalles) Schneider and Judith Hammer; nephew Dean (Judie) Hammer; great nephews Chadley Hammer and Justin (Jaime) Hammer, Austin Schneider, Kael Schneider; great niece Kari (Casey) Schaff; great nephews Carter, Colton and Cannon Schaff and great niece Martine Hammer. Dale is also survived by his 103-year-old aunt, “Amazing” Grace Smestad (Fargo). Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Agnes Chilson, his five siblings Lennon Chilson, Marion "Bud" Chilson, Vivien Hammer, Donald Chilson, and Ruth Chilson and brother-in-law Norman Hammer. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Michael J Fox Foundation or The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. A special thanks to Dale’s niece, Sue Hammer-Schneider, who helped compile information to tell Dale’s story. Thank you also to the staff at Bethany on 42nd for the care they provided to Dale during his stay there.

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  1. Many great memories of our Wednesday riding club and our time working on the ND Cowboy Hall of Fame. I can see Dale sitting tall in the saddle riding in that green pasture up in heaven .

  2. Michelle, Beth, Suzanne and Jennifer……my heart goes out to you during this most difficult time. Losing your father leaves a void you’ll always feel. I pray you can concentrate about the many years of wonderful memories you’ve had with him. I’m sending a huge hug from our entire family to each of you girls. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. I am so sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. I worked with Dale many years ago at KX-4. He was truly a good man. I will always remember his soft spoken kindness combined with a sharp sense of humor. He was one of a kind in a wonderful way and a pleasure to know. My sincere sympathy to his family. God Bless.

  4. Was Dale’s classmate for our entire times in the Velva School system. We played together and spent time just being friends. Dale was a cut up, he lightened things up which we all enjoyed.
    Place my name beside those who think the world is missing one of its beloved residents.

  5. Beth, as you and your family go through the grieving process, I hope it will always be remembered that even though we think of death as a departure, our loved ones never truly leave, for they will always be alive in our hearts and memories and through us, they live on. My condolences to you and yours during this time.

  6. My condolences to Dale’s family. He was a real gentleman cowboy, with a great speaking voice. I enjoyed working with him at church and in the rodeo arena, as well as going on some wonderful trail rides back in the day. I used to tell him he reminded me of the actor Robert Taylor, with his looks and voice. Dale got a kick out of that. Happy trails, Dale. Keep Old Paint facing to the West.

    Jay Goerger

  7. What a wonderful obituary sharing your Dad’s interesting and fully lived life. Thinking of you all today and praying for peace as you move ahead.


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