- Date Of Birth: March 26, 1947
- Date Of Death: September 26, 2016
- State: Michigan
After a long courageous battle with cancer, Dale died peacefully at home with his wife at his bedside on Monday, September 26, 2016. He was born at Borgess Hospital on March 26, 1947, the second son of Marvin and Florence (Schauer) Van Antwerp. Dale was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. As a youngster he attended North Westnedge Elementary School and would spend hours playing baseball or shagging balls for his brother in the park next to his home on Florence Street. Dale was active in Boy Scouts from Cub Scouts through First Class and especially enjoyed camping. In1959 his family moved to a home on the corner of Spartan and Spiral Streets in Parchment. Dale graduated from Parchment High School in 1965. He earned his varsity letter in track and field running the half mile and mile events.
Dale graduated from Western Michigan University in 1970 with a double major in geography and political science. Dale proudly served in the US Air Force from 1970-1974 where he attained the rank of Staff Sargent. He was initially stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB near Marquette, MI. Later, Dale was stationed in Zweibrucken, Germany where he served in the role of security police with the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron. He traveled Europe extensively while being stationed in Germany. On May 4, 1991 at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, Dale married Jana Lee Porter.
He and Jana recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Dale retired from the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital in 1997 after 28 years of employment where he worked as a supervisor for the dietary and housekeeping departments. Dale was a member of the Schoolcraft Lions Club for many years and served two terms as club president. He volunteered his time with other organizations including the American Red Cross Blood Drives, South County Services and Borgess Visiting Nurse & Hospice Services. Dale was a very strong, kind, gentle, and caring man. He was tender hearted and loving, honest, generous and thoughtful, with a great dry sense of humor.
He had many interests which included meteorology, geography, political science, current events, traveling, golf, fishing, listening to music, particularly classic rock and roll from the 60’s and 70’s, watching sports on television, especially college football. Dale also enjoyed nature, the environment and conservation, grilling out, chess and playing cards, He taught the Porters to play Shanghai and spent many an evening at the home of Aaron and Neena competing in a cut throat game. Dale loved animals especially his beloved Cardigan Welsh Corgis Molly and Katie. Most of all, Dale truly loved his family very much and was so very proud of all his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and his friends. During his long fight with cancer, Dale never complained and always pushed himself to rehab back to his fullest potential.
He was always gracious and grateful for all the care he received throughout the years. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Florence Van Antwerp and his mother-in-law Rita Porter. Surviving are his loving wife Jana Van Antwerp of Portage, brother Richard (Carol) Van Antwerp of Kalamazoo, father-in-law David Porter of Schoolcraft, sister-in-law Julie (Michael) Noteboom of Parchment, brother-in-law Stanley Porter of Houston, TX, brother-in-law Aaron (Neena) Porter of Schoolcraft, nieces and nephews Michael (Karen) Van Antwerp of Mattawan, Stacy (Job) Rijssenbeek of Niskayuna, NY , Anne Porter of Houghton, Jeff Porter of Portage, Rebecca Porter of Schoolcraft, Daniel Noteboom of Kalamazoo, Rachael Noteboom of Grand Rapids, Alecia (Chris) Ruswinckel of Grand Ledge, Michael Noteboom of San Diego, CA, great nieces and nephews Karlee and Maxx Van Antwerp, Lucas and Noah Rijssenbeek, John Porter, Nathan and Matthew Ruswinckel, and Cassidy Noteboom-Holmes.
Dale is also survived by special friends Jonathan (Vicki) Burns (whom he met in the service and remained lifelong friends), Carol Adams and Michael Hume. In his quiet, gentle manner, Dale touched many lives. He was a good man and dearly loved. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Those wishing to leave a memorial donation in his name are asked to consider Southwest Michgan Land Conservancy or Pets for Vets.
