Dale Klingensmith age 63 of Hammond died peacefully Monday November 21 at his home following a short battle with cancer. Dale was born on February 3, 1948 in Redwing, Minnesota; the son of Robert and Lillis (Bystrom) Klingensmith. He was raised in Ellsworth where he graduated from Ellsworth High School in the class of 66. On July 18, 1970, he was united in marriage to Polly Kildahl. To this union, a daughter and son were born. Dale worked for the Ford Motor Plant in St. Paul. He was a dedicated employee for thirty years before retiring in August of ’98. Following his retirement, he enjoyed his time mowing grass for the village of Hammond; but most recently providing maintenance for the Baldwin Cottages. Dale’s love in life was simple; his wife and family first and foremost and the outdoors. He treasured time spent up north hunting black bear with his friends. Moreover, he enjoyed a quiet day on the lake catching fish, seeing what he couldn’t live without at nearby auctions, camping with his family, or playing a hand of cards with friends.

Dale will remain in the hearts of his best friend Polly, children Angela Klingensmith of New Richmond, Sean (Emily) Klingensmith of St. Paul, granddaughters Maggie, Lily, Renae, as well as his brothers LaVerne Klingensmith of Ellsworth, and Byron Klingensmith of Portage. Dale is preceded in death by his Mother, Father, and sister Barbara Winger.

A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be 2PM Monday November 28 at Trinity Lutheran Church; 1250 Broadway Street in Hammond, Wisconsin with Pastor Michael Briggs officiating. Brent Nelson and Jimmy Sturgul have the honors of being urn bearers while all of his bear hunting buddies; Val Carlson, Ty Carlson, Bob Bruesewitz, Keith Bruesewitz, Kevin Bruesewitz, Kent Bruesewitz, Eugene Ince, Mike Ince, Mark Ince, Marty Ince, Brian Ince, Darryl Ince, Bruce Potter will serve as honorary bearers. Interment will be private. Visitation will be from NOON until the 2PM service time at the church. Memorials are preferred. Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin.