Ezra Dale Gillespie

Dale passed away in his home in Alexandria, MN, surrounded by family, after his fight with cancer on March 11, 2016. Ezra “Dale” Gillespie was born November 3rd, 1938 in Crookston, MN to Clifford and Lorraine (Jobe) Gillespie. He moved with his family to Alexandria, MN at age 13. This is where he lived until he joined the Navy at age 17. He was married to his high school sweetheart Waneta (Neta) Morse in 1959, and they were married for 56 years. From this union was born Patrick Dale, Terry L. and Lori Ann. Dale and Neta saw much of the country as he was stationed in multiple bases throughout his 20 years in the Navy. He served on an aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Kittyhawk, during the Vietnam War. Dale ended his naval career in 1974 on the U.S.S. New Orleans. After his retirement from the military, the Gillespie family moved back to Brandon, MN while he attended Alexandria Technical College for appliance repair. Dale went on to start his own business, Dale’s Appliance Repair. In 1979 he and Neta moved their family to Andrews, TX where he worked for Kirby West Vacuum Cleaner Co. as a maintenance supervisor, and he continued his education at Odessa College. In 1981, the Gillespie family returned to Alexandria, MN and Dale bought a bottle propane company, which he continued to operate until he became a driver for Ferrell Gas in 1983. Dale retired in 1996, and went on to enjoy fishing in all seasons, going to the casino with Neta and enjoying warm winters in Arizona. He also liked spending time with his grandchildren, whom he was very proud of. Known as a kind and generous man; Dale knew how to lighten anyone’s mood with his quick wit and humor. He is preceded in his death by his parents: Clifford Gillespie & Lorraine (Gillespie) Sherrow; brother, Gerald Gillespie, sisters: Leonne Olson and Norma Lindskog; father in-law & mother-in-law: Clifford & Myrtle Morse, brothers-in-law: Earl Morse, Clifford (Buzz) Morse, sisters-in-law: Clara Danielson, Betty Hooseline and nephew, Timothy Gillespie. He is survived by wife, Neta of 56 years, children Patrick Dale Gillespie of Tomah, WI, Terry L. (Dawn) Gillespie of Brandon, MN and Lori Ann (Joseph) Faust of Alexandria, MN; grandchildren: Christopher (Lori) Gillespie of Brandon, MN, Taylor (Amy Speth) Gillespie of Brandon, MN, Jeniece Faust of Aberdeen, SD, Alyssa (Thomas) Bouressa of Fargo, ND, and Mikaela Faust of Minneapolis, MN, 8 great-grandchildren, sister, Ruth (Ed) Hocke of Windom, MN, brother, Dick (Joanne) Gillespie of Seattle, WA, and his faithful dog, Kevin. Honorary pallbearers are Dale’s grandchildren. Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net

Ezra Dale Gillespie

November 3, 1938 - March 11, 2016