Dale C. Van Fleet

Frankenmuth, MI

Dale Clare Van Fleet, 96, passed away July 7, 2026 at Covenant Harrison after leading a faithful and successful life. Dale was born September 13, 1929 in Allen Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan at the home of his late parents Lee and Inez Van Fleet. He married Gretna (Sanford) July 17, 1949 at Gretna’s family farm in Hillsdale, MI. She predeceased Dale in May 2026.

After graduating from Hillsdale High School in 1947 he began work at Kelsey Hayes Wheel Co. in Monroe, MI. He later spent 16 years at Allied Tool and Die in Hillsdale, MI. Dale also crop farmed and raised livestock during his life in Hillsdale.

Dale made time for pleasure as well. He took his girls fishing, built them a skating pond, active in community theatre as an actor and set building. Northwest Farm Bureau Community Group, pinochle card club, and square dance club were enjoyed by Dale and Gretna.

After selling their farm in 1967 Dale and Gretna moved the family to Frankenmuth where Dale began his career as a successful Farm Bureau Insurance agent for 27 years. His most treasured top award was Man of the Year named after Elton Smith President of Michigan Farm Bureau. Due to his integrity and commitment to his fellow agents and clients, Dale was rewarded with many lifetime friends. One of his biggest pleasures in serving the community with insurance needs was bonding with ‘his’ farmers, especially when he could meet them out in their field.

Dale joined the Frankenmuth United Methodist Church in 1967 continuing his membership until his death. Aside from being an active member, he served on several committees along with being the General Contractor for a large expansion project. He and Gretna spent many months for several years performing missionary work for NOMADS in the US and Mexico. He also enjoyed playing bones in FUMC’s band Holy Jeans.

In 1971 Dale and Gretna bought a cabin in Lake City, MI and enjoyed time there with family and friends for 44 years. Being on Lake Missaukee brought many blessings of the usual summer and winter sports as well as music around the bonfire, playing Euchre, Phase 10, and Sequence.

Dale was very driven and project oriented. He always had a vision as to how something could be improved, a room to remodel, a home to be added onto. When it became apparent he should no longer be on roofs and climbing ladders he turned to wood carving. He was a member of the Frankenmuth Wood Carvers Guild and with an artful eye created many beautiful carvings.

Surviving are his four daughters Marcia (Dan) Sadowski, children Amber Sykes and Grey (Jill) Gustafson. Pam (Bruce) Wright, children Chantel (Chris) Vaughan, Lisa (Jordan) Philyaw and Edward (Joe) Wright. Cheryl (Tim) Weirauch, children Sarah (Mike) Weiss and Jon (Nicole) Weirauch. Joni (Dave McCormic) Van Fleet, children Amy (Stan) Potoczny, Jake (Sorcha) Bartlett and Neil Bartlett. 11 great-grandchildren and one great- great grandchild. In 1969 Dale and Gretna hosted exchange student Anne from Finland, in 1975 Carla from Switzerland and in 1977 they welcomed foster daughter Jill Schroeder to the family. Two sisters Mildred Galloway and Audrey Younglove and many nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by son-in-law Carl Gustafson, sisters Miriam Bailey, Harriet Zimmerman, Doris Mettler, one brother Duane Van Fleet and their spouses. Also nieces Judy Van Fleet, Pat Davis and Susan Schau, nephews George and David Zimmerman and Greg McCarty.

The family would like to thank all those who shared in Dale’s life as a friend, caregiver, fellow church member and those who stopped in for a hello!

Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, 346 Vates St., Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Ryan Wenburg will officiate. Dale’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Frankenmuth, on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Frankenmuth United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Charity of Donor’s Choice.