Dale "Putt" Putney

dale
Dale "Putt" Putney passed away Mar 17, 2021 at Essentia although the Fargo VA was where he received most of his medical care. Dale was born Nov 27, 1951 to Bob and Nora Putney in Hutchinson MN. He graduated from Fargo North, Class of 70, and joined the Marines serving from 1970-1974 with time in 1971 in Vietnam. He was a union iron worker from 1976-2000. He later worked in Lakeville, MN. He moved back to Fargo ending up in Leonard, ND with his dog Angus. Putt was a lifetime VFW member and an original member of the FM Crusaders MC and a member of the Vietnam Vets MC. Putt was most proud of being a Marine, Vietnam Vet and Harley rider. Putt is survived by daughter Shelby Lewis and grandchildren Amelia and Ezra, adopted son Jess with 4 children, his brother Mark and sisters Linda and Karen (Keith) Erickson. A Memorial Bike Run will be scheduled later. A graveside gathering with Military Honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Fargo National Cemetery.

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  1. Dale was a fellow Vietnam Veteran. He was there the same year I was. We went to Roosevelt at the sometime. We even shared the same birthdate and year. He was fighting his last battle the best he could. He was quite the guy. I am glad he came home from Vietnam, and I am grateful to have known him. Rest in Peace…Welcome Home.

  2. Dan Sauvageau I met Dale when he came back from Viet Nam and we became friends and done a lot of riding together over the years. He was alway one that liked to help anyone that had trouble with there bike. I will miss him and his happy go lucky smile. God bless you Dale and say hi to all the boys that have past before us. I am It wont be to long for all of us that rode together will be riding with you in the sky. I love you and all our friends that went before you.

  3. I first met Putt at the Dakota Riders Hillclimb in around 1980 or so. He was a great guy, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a PROUD, Viet Nam War, Marine Corps Veteran. He was a great man, and a good friend over the many years of friendship and Brotherhood we all shared. GODSPEED PUTT. Say Hello to the rest of our Brothers in Heaven for us. GOD BLESS YOU PUTT.

  4. The only father I ever had. Words cant depict this. Wish I could have atleast seen him one last time.

  5. Putney,
    A great friend! Will always miss you.
    Great times were always had riding with you.
    Love Red

  6. I meet putt when I joined vnvmc back in 1995, He was my brother as us marine and also in the vnvmc, I’m going to miss him back when I drove over the road,I came home one day and putt was at my house,I asked what was he doing, he said he was waiting for supper, we’re having liver and onions, I asked my how come she was making it for putt? But never made it for me,she said he was a guest, so if I wanted lover I had to invite putt for supper, then my wife would make it for putt an me. I be thinking of you. Putt, next time I have liver. God Bless, FTH LRB Tater / Laura. Love jar head.

  7. I’ve known Putt for over 40 years! He was a true friend to everyone! Going to miss seeing him around! See you in the here after Putt! Your friend Pat

  8. I was saddened to read about your passing. Although I haven’t seen you in many years, I still laugh about a lot of things that went on back in the day. See you again someday :).

  9. God bless you Putt – So many good times we had over the years. You were the kind of friend that stays in a persons mind and heart forever, no matter the miles between. You are going to be greatly missed. Ride on

  10. We in life are fortunate to people, or should I say a character as Putt. He is true to who he is, and is what he is. Passions of life drive us and Putt lived his passions. I was driving down 35W south of Minneapolis look over at a guy on a Harley, it was Dale. We immediately pulled to the side of the road and we directed a bar by some force of nature. We shared stories of our time in the Marine Corp, and Bikes, and Bull. Dale has two Birthdays, His and the Marine Corp Birthday November 10th. I will rase a drink to him and think of him as a friend and a Marine.
    SEMPER FI

  11. I met Putt in the mid 80’s. Shared a lot of good times over the years with him. The Bars 4-10 n Speck’s most and the after party’s. I rode with Wango for many years to events and runs and Putt rode to em all too. Putt and I became facebook friends 5 yrs ago and first thing he did was get my address and came over to my apt. I warmed up leftover roast n vegs n gravy, he told me I needed to get the leg I broke recently stronger so he could take me for a ride on his Harley, sadly it didn’t happen but he did give me a ride on Big Bird a few times back in the 80’s. You touched a lot of hearts Putt and will be truly missed. Ride Free my friend.

  12. So sorry to hear about this. We are praying for the family. Please update us when the ride will be.

  13. I met Putt in my many years of weekend rides & parties in Fargo. We just got along because we had the same life values. Putt was my Brother from another mother. Somehow we always seemed to connect when I came to Fargo or on runs in the area. Putt was part of my heart, we didn’t see each other all the time but I knew he was always there for me & I was there for him. When one asks what’s a real biker, it’s not the miles & years you’ve ridden or the type of bike you ride, what being a biker is, is the love you share with your brothers eternal. I Love you Putt, my Brother biker. I’ll be riding with you again! God Bless!

  14. Brother Putt, live free – ride free in the open spaces above, love ya Ardvark. I remember the Watts Phone calls from Vietnam we had, along with the bond we had. I enjoyed the many Old Milwaukee brews together with a whole lot of laughs and memories threw the years. RIP

  15. Putt was just a great guy, met him when we got the Viet Nam Vets M/C started. Always treated me right, can’t say nothing bad about this guy. Was always fun to watch him kick start his bike, RIP my friend.

  16. So glad we were able to reconnect through Facebook Putt, after so many years. Wish there was time in a bottle for those fun Specks days. Such a kind, caring, simple man. Fly high, you will surely be missed.

    Shannon Oye

  17. 33 years ago my NIW husband and I found ourselves in need of a witness to get our marriage license. My husband managed the Stop n Go on 12th Ave N and who walks in the door of the store? Putt! He and my husband had been friends for years. He didn’t give it a second thought, changed his plans and came with us that minute to be our witness! He was a great guy! RIP, Putt, and thank you for touching our lives!

  18. Sooo sorry, many thoughts and prayers for Putts dear family and friends. Ride easy Putt, what a glorious ride it will be. You will be missed by many, may Gods love and peace comfort those you hold dearest.

  19. To My Brothers , Sisters, my Friends and my Family

    Promise me this

    And when I go, I want you, on the next beautiful day —
    To go and ride to that place that we found together and Love.
    That place that surrounded us with the wonders of respect and Brotherhood.
    And remember the things that I hope you’ll never forget: Like my smile,The feel of my
    heart as it say’s Whats up And I hope you’ll remember that what We
    got they’ll never have or understand, How you all changed my life. And
    how I never loved anything as deeply as I love the Biker Brotherhood, because it made me,
    feel, home……again And as you ride on down the road
    If you feel a chilling breeze on your skin, Know that I ride beside you, one more time.
    And if you feel the warmth of the sun upon your colors, Know that I have your
    back , one more time as I always stood beside all my brothers,
    And When you hear the sounds of loud thunder around you, Know that I am
    telling you “remember me” one more time and smile. And as you continue in your
    bubble without me — Know that I will guide you down the road and give you
    freedom that you deserve. Know that I am walking right beside you,
    even though you can’t see me ,know that if you ever need me,
    ,just call my name. And the next time, it, rains — Stand outside and
    feel the raindrops that I loved so much, And know they are my tears,
    Because you made me stand so Proud. And when you hear the wind
    singing — Know that is our name that it calls, Because the sound of a bike rings
    my spirits. And when you see any sunset ,that takes your breath away
    — Know that I’ve colored you this small gift, Because you have given me
    the security I need. And when it’s your turn to ride home — Know that I and
    and All of our Brothers will be waiting .. with open arms ,
    Honored, that again We will be blessed
    to ride the Heaven …
    Here’s to Us, and to those who Love Us
    what a trip its been
    …Putt…

    …………………….through hondo………

    ……Crying is not a weakness , your Soul wouldn’t have any Rainbows
    if your Heart had no tears……..

    ….Tears of a 1,000 Angels….

    You cried last night,
    I know why.
    I felt your tears,
    I wiped my eyes.
    I know it hurts,
    I feel it to.
    You cried last night,
    I cried too…..
    Hondo

  20. Linda, Karen, Mark and family. Very sorry for the loss of your older brother. Dale and I were classmates since the 5th grade at Roosevelt and saw him the last time at our “Mini Reunion” last July. Those of us that were able to make it really enjoyed our conversations with Putt. Putt always managed to bring pictures and other “stuff” of our kid years to our reunions. He will always be remembered by the FN Class of ’70, many of whom have made great comments about Putt on our FB page. Thank you for your service to our Country Putt! Godspeed & SEMPER FI!

  21. So sorry for your loss, Dale was always kind when I saw him and truly seemed to care for his family and friends.

  22. I met Putt through mutual friends & the Garage Boys. He was a great man and such a good, kind friend. He lent a hand to anyone who needed help! Oh that smile and his sense of humor! He was kind, generous and always looked out for all of us. God bless you brother and thanks for your service to our country! He was very proud of his service to our country and rightfully so! RIP brother!

  23. I keep thinking of a shirt you wore a lot. If they don’t let my Harley into Heaven I’ll ride it straight through Hell!

  24. One of my favorite childhood memories was Dale’s motorcycle wedding. It was 1975, I was 12 and Dale was our giant cousin from Fargo. The loud motorcycles pulling up to the church, his super cool dangling earring and one heckuva party that kept us in family stories for decades.

    When I was a little older Dale attended another family wedding and when my aunt had no way of getting up the two flights of stairs into the church Dale and our cousin Kenny (we lost him last year, too) just picked up the wheelchair along with my Aunt Dort and carried her up those stairs.

    We’ll miss you, cousin. You were always the biggest man in the room, and you’ll be greeted by many Putneys who have gone before you. Sending you all the love. Ride on, Putt.

    Dar, Deb, Dawn, Donna and Dayle have made a donation to the Fargo VA in your honor. Thank you for your service.

  25. It still seems weird that he’s not here he was sitting in the chair in my living room two days before he passed. He’s always been one of my favorite people. Had many good times with putt and vmvmc. The good old days. I’m going to miss you lots Putt I’m going to miss seeing you sitting in my chair love you lots

  26. He was a very very loved guy. I have never heard a bad word about him. He was a real sweetheart! He will be missed by many!

  27. I am so sorry to hear of your passing. Almost breaks my heart. I know that you are the better place now.My condolences to your family. Much love

  28. My thoughts are with Dale’s friends and family. My memories of him striding the hallways of Fargo North – taking up his great, fun space, will always be with me. Jule Selbo


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