Dale Norbert Van Nurden, age 76 of River Falls, died unexpectedly on July 13, 2022 at his residence. Dale was born to Clayton and Louise (Donnay) Van Nurden on January 28, 1946 in St Cloud, MN. He graduated from St Boniface High School with the class of 1964. Dale’s life was blessed with two children, his son Ryan (Heidi) Van Nurden and daughter Chelsei (Ray) Reynaga, along with seven grandchildren.
Dale grew up on a farm in Watkins, MN, with many brothers and sisters where he learned all about farming. Dale served in the Army and was recently honored for serving 50 years with the Watkins Legion Post 453. Dale was admirably hardworking and a self-taught business man. In his early years, he owned bars in Watkins, New Ulm, Menomonie, Tucson and River Falls. He loved sharing stories of the bar days. Dale was an amazing storyteller. Dale worked in construction for many years and eventually started Metro Utilities in 1992, where he worked until the day of his death. He spent many years passing along knowledge to his son, Ryan, who currently operates the business. He also had a great passion for farming. Dale loved traveling to Mexico and exploring new places. Over the years, Dale met many people and made many friends. People were very important to Dale, both his friends and family meant everything to him. Dale was known for giving his family $2 bills, a simple yet meaningful way to show his gratitude and a token to remember him by. This mirrored the unique gift it was to be around him and the innate spirit of giving he always had. Dale recently moved to River Falls to be closer to his children and grandchildren. He loved his family more than anything. Dale was the BEST dad and grandpa!
Dale is survived by his two children; Ryan (Heidi) Van Nurden and Chelsei (Ray) Reynaga; grandchildren Macie, Charles, Lilianna, Isabella, William, Annabelle; other special family: Patty (James) Tricker, Bridget (Matt) Hieb,Taylor and Nicholas. siblings; David, Ed, Mary Lou (Buffalo Bob) Mobley, Jean (John) Brager, Lori (Glen) Winter, Michelle (Tim) Kuhn, Cheryl (Joe) Garding; sisters-in-law Gayle and Diane.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents Clayton and Louise, granddaughter Alexis, and brothers Roger, Craig, Jim and Richard in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3:00pm on Thursday July 21, 2022 at St. Bridget Catholic Church: 221 E Division St. River Falls, WI 54022 with Fr. Joe Stefancin officiating. A Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/saintbridget.
Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls, www.oconnellfuneralservices.com, 715-425-5644
