Dale McGannon

Mass of Christian Burial for Dale McGannon, 83, of Groton will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 3rd at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Groton. Father Mike Kelly will officiate. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton. Military honors will be provided by the Groton American Legion Post #39.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 4-8 p.m. with a wake at 7:00 p.m.

Dale passed away Saturday, February 25, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona.

Dale Edward was born on September 9, 1928 to Edward and Josephine (Harrington) McGannon in Forbes, ND. They lived on a farm near Ellendale until he was two years old, then the family moved to a farm on the NW side of Lake Traverse. At five years, his folks bought a farm in Grant Township, Roberts County. There he attended country grade school thru the 8th grade. He attended Sisseton High School and later apprenticed as a bodyman and painter at Brooks Pontiac for four years.

On June 24, 1950 he united with Beverly Plant at St. Peter Catholic Church in Sisseton. To this union, three sons were born; David, Tim & Bob. In March of 1951, he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years, living in Aurora, CO, Clovis, NM and two years at Hahn Air Force Base, Germany. He was supervisor of the welding and canvas shop at Hahn. Dale, Beverly and David toured many countries while in Germany. He received his honorable discharge as a S/Sgt. and the family returned to Sisseton where Dale worked at Sonstegard Body Shop and then Alinder Ford as shop foreman. In 1964, they moved to Groton, where they raised their three sons. Dale was employed for 22 years at Trail Chrevrolet & Olds. He retired early due to poor health.

Dale was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and served on the church board and as an usher for many years. He was a 55 year member of both Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He also served on the Board of Directors for Olive Grove Golf Course and was active in planning the new course. He did a lot of volunteer work on the grounds and in the clubhouse. He enjoyed golfing and belonged to a league, when his health permitted. He was a history buff, especially when it involved US and WWII history. He was dedicated to God, family, country and hard work. He liked anything Irish, the Twins, Vikings, country music, Jim Reeves, windmills, chocolate and a good joke.

Dale and Beverly celebrated 61 years of marriage. They wintered in Arizona for 23 years and traveled to most of the 50 states, including Hawaii. They also traveled to Mexico and Canada. Dale grew to love Arizona and cherished the many friendships they made there. He will forever be remembered as a caring, supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Bev, sons, David (Valerie) of Groton; Tim (Louise) of Mitchell; grandchildren, Todd (Jessica) McGannon of Aberdeen; Travis (Sarah) McGannon of Bristol; Rebecca McGannon of Phoenix, Arizona; Abby McGannon of Fargo; Brian McGannon of Sioux Falls, great-grandchildren: Madilyn, Mateo, Marlee, Macine, Tanner, Kayleigh, Dylan, Shaela, Tristin and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his son, Robert, his brother, Bertrand, his sister, Loretta (Calvin) Severson.

Casketbearers will be his grandsons, Todd, Travis and Brian McGannon, nephews, Jim & Terry McGannon and Rick Severson.

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