Obituaries

Dale R. Hoornstra, 74, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, at My Michigan Medical Center – Midland, after a six -month long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born October 28, 1948, to Russell J and Eleanore O. Hoornstra, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. He graduated from Sault High School with the class of 1966. Dale started work with Michigan Bell Telephone Co. on April 8, 1967 and worked up to the day before he enlisted into the U.S. Coast Guard on his 20th birthday. Upon discharge in 1972 he returned to Michigan Bell and worked until retirement in 1996.

In 1979 Dale joined the Michigan National Guard, 1437th Engineer Company in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, until 1985, when he and seven others started the Reserve Unit at U. S. Coast Guard Group Soo. Dale was recalled to active duty several times. After 9/11 he was asked if he could serve on active duty for a couple of weeks and stayed 6 years, until his retirement as Chief Warrant Officer, CWO4. Dale served on the I-500 for 28 years and was Chairman for 4 years. He also served on the Sault Area School Board for 7 years, and Sault Ste Marie City Commission for 7 years. He owned Hoornstra Communication since 1996 until his passing. During the winter months Dale enjoyed spending time in his Kubota plowing snow for his many customers for over 20 years.

Dale was a very social person. If he met you once, chances are you were a friend for life. Whatever he had, whether it be a tool, trailer, Kubota, boat, vehicle, if you needed something and he had it, he would be right there to offer you the use of it, no questions asked.

On May 4, 1974, he married Rhonda Perron and together they had two daughters, Kirstyn Rae Beaulieu (Robert) and Staci Lynn Palo (Chad). They have 4 grandchildren, Evan Kyle (Betsy), Emily Wilson/Palo, Brynn Beaulieu and Iyla Beaulieu. He is also survived by Donald Stabile (Karen), who he always said was the “son he never had”.

Dale is survived by his brother, Dennis (Rosemary) Hoornstra, of Lisle, Illinois, and a sister, Diane (Dick) Temmer, of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Steve Perron, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dale loved his family more than anything. He would do anything for them any time they needed something. He made sure anything they wanted or needed, they had. He loved being a Grandpa/Papa more than anything, and he so enjoyed spending time with his grandkids at Monocle Lake, or attending recitals, concerts, plays, sports events, whatever they were involved in.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Eleanore, his in-laws, Ernest and Elaine Perron, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., with the service to follow at the Central United Methodist Church in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens at a later date.

The family would like to thank everyone who reached out to Dale during these last six months, either in person, by phone, or with a card, to say they were praying for him. Dale always tried to make sure to thank everyone. Dale and his family were so appreciative of the many, many people who were on his side. We would also like to thank his best friend and Doctor, John Ockenfels, for all he did for Dale for many years. A big thank you to all the staff in the Oncology Department, Dr. Sardar, the staff at My Michigan – Sault, in the Admitting Department and the Laboratory Department, as well as the Second Floor nursing staff, for all the wonderful care you all provided these last months. Dale always enjoyed getting to know and visiting with everyone and they became new friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Vietnam Veterans, Soo Chapter, or to the Children’s Shriner Hospital.