Dale Fred

Dale Fred passed peacefully at home near Ault, CO on October 29, 2024, at the age of 85. Dale was born in Rugby, ND to Bert and Amanda (Stromme) Fred on April 29, 1939. As a native of ND, he resided in Willow City, Rugby, Minot and Bismarck and also lived in Northern Colorado for 23 years. 

One of six children, Dale was raised on a farm east of Willow City, ND and while still in high school, took over the family farm. He was a graduate of Willow City High School and was privileged to be a member of the 1956 State Championship Basketball team. As a senior in high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard of North Dakota, serving for three years and continued as a Reserve of the Army for five years. In the summer of 1958, at the age of 19, Dale and his 1949 Mercury Convertible captured the attention of Marlene Swanson. They quickly fell in love and were married on December 27, 1958. 

Dale was a farmer his entire life. Early in his farming career, he received the Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award for ND. Although Dale continued to farm in ND, he and Marlene expanded their farming operations in 1985 with the purchase of a wheat farm in Northern Colorado.  In his later years when he wasn’t farming, he worked as a carpenter for longtime family friends, Hamblen Custom Homes in Ft. Collins, CO. His love and devotion to his Lord and Savior as well as for his entire family were his top priorities. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He also had an appreciation for vintage cars and enjoyed fishing. 

Dale was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Amanda, his brothers James, Clarence, Donnie and grandson Jacob Lazio. He is survived by his wife Marlene of 65 years, seven children, sons, Don (Edith), Dennis (Candie) Doug (Joyce), Dan (Shelah), Darren (Melody) and Mike (Denise) and daughter Darla Lazio (Tom), 16 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, sister Carol Odell (Deryle), brother Darvin (Janet), sister-in-law Darlene Fred and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held in both Colorado and North Dakota. 

Colorado: November 10, 2024, 2:30 PM at Peak Community Church, 500 Mathews St. Ft. Collins, CO 

North Dakota: November 21, 2024, 1:00 PM at Evangel Assembly of God, 3225 14th St. N., Bismarck, ND. The burial will be at Mandan ND Veterans Cemetery.