Dale Schumann

Funeral services for Dale Gordon Schumann will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Milford, IA. A private burial will take place at a later date at Diamond Lake Cemetery in Lake Benton, MN.

Dale Gordon Schumann was born on January 2, 1938, in Pipestone, MN to Herman and Ella (Ponto) Schumann. He grew up alongside his four brothers on a farm in Altona Township of Pipestone County. He graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1956, where he also met his lifelong partner Delores “Dee” Nelsen.

Dale and Dee were united in marriage on April 1, 1961. They spent early years living and working in Minneapolis and Pipestone before settling in Jackson, Minnesota, where they raised their two daughters, Nancy and Dawn.

In 1963, Dale and his brother Marcus purchased a General Trading auto parts store in Pipestone. Over time, they expanded the business, adding stores in Jackson and Madison, Minnesota. Dale and Dee were proud of the business they built—one that not only supported their family but also gave them the opportunity to travel extensively, enjoying cruises and adventures around the world. After decades of dedicated service, Dale retired in 2005 when the final store in Jackson was sold. In retirement, he and Dee spent cherished time in Arizona—fondly known to them as their “happy place”—where they formed lasting friendships.

While in Jackson, Dale was an active and servant member of the community, participating in the Lions Club, the Jackson Golf Club, First Presbyterian Church, and VFW Racing. He and Dee also cultivated deep friendships in both Jackson and Pipestone, sharing countless lake days, travels, and card games.

In 2014, the couple returned to Pipestone to be closer to extended family, returning to the town they always considered “home.” A few years later, in 2018, they moved to Milford, Iowa, to be near their daughters and remained there until Dale’s passing.

Dale is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his Carquest customers. Whether day or night, he never hesitated to go the extra mile—literally—to get someone back on the road. His commitment to serving others was only exceeded by his deep love for his family. At a recent Thanksgiving gathering, he shared his gratitude for a “loving family that loves to be together.” Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—especially gathered around the table for a game of cards.

He will also be fondly remembered for his ever-present smirk, dry wit, steadfast loyalty to the Minnesota Vikings, memorable fishing trips to Canada, and relaxed afternoons on the golf course.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Henry, Marcus (LaVonne), Stanley (Bernice), and Lloyd (Jeannie).

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 64 years, Delores “Dee”; daughters Nancy (Ty) Fada of Milford, Iowa, and Dawn (Dennis) Inman of Spirit Lake, Iowa; grandchildren Angie (Ryan) Schill, Mallory (Andy) Gruis, Dan (Rachel) Winders, and Rachel (Nick) Helsper; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Nora Schill, Carl Gruis, James and Ben Helsper (with a baby brother on the way), and Lyla Winders.

He is also survived by his in-laws: Glenn (Dianne) Nelsen, Carol (Dale) Anderson, Karen Schultz, and Dennis (Cindy) Nelsen, along with many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association and/or the American Cancer Society.