Dale Allen Schimmel

Dale Allen Schimmel was born in Chippewa Falls, on May 5, 1959 and passed away on March 3, 2018. He lived in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire before moving to Chetek, Wisconsin.  Dale graduated magna cum laude from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Business Administration.  His career was primarily in the high tech arena at Cray Research later bought out by Silicon Graphics. He had a unique balance whereby he was able to truly be a business partner as the HR Director to the Engineering Department -- a combination of the logical/analytic and relationship skills.

He had a major brain bleed in 2003 and was not expected to even make it through the surgery but after two weeks in a coma and six weeks in the hospital, was able to re-acquire a great deal of physical abilities and was the same loving person he had always been.  He worked so hard just to do the simple things that most of us take for granted.  And he literally never complained.  He did not look back but always considered where he was right now and what he could do at that point in time and then moved forward.  His neurosurgeon referred to him as a miracle for surviving and regaining so much.  He loved to bowl, golf, hike, bike and most of all, run.  After 2003, he could no longer do any of those things and so focused on what he could do -- walk.  He tried to walk three miles every day and did so whenever weather permitted.  Dale shared once that sometimes in dreams, he could run. When asked if that was sad, he answered it was not -- that he felt fortunate to have the dreams because it reminded him that someday, he would no longer have any physical limitations.  That time is now.

 Dale was a man of great faith who lived it every day.  He wrote in a gratitude journal each night for more than 15 years, served on the Chetek Lutheran Church Council and the Finance Committee.  And he brought Touched Twice to Chetek (an event of assembled volunteered services for people who were in the midst of hard times). 

When he was no longer able to work, he volunteered at the Chetek Food Shelf and later served as the volunteer manager. He always provided the birds and squirrels with food and water throughout the winter months.

But most of all, he loved his family.  He was so proud of each of his children.  In his mind, there was no differentiation by birth or marriage. He claimed them all and was a source of love, constancy and the best possible example anyone could be. One of his greatest joys was spending the day with grandson, Clinton, age 3, each week.  Dale was truly a blessing to many and none more so than to his wife.  He wrote her poems for every holiday and invented "Just Because Day" which he would surprise her with when she least expected it each year. He taught her to be forgiving and.to enjoy the simple moments.  His father taught him the value of always doing one's very best and his mother, how to be kind and totally unselfish. Dale lived a wonderful and full life, though ever so sadly, not a very long one.   

Dale is survived by his wife; Ginny M. (Johnson) Schimmel, children; Tyler (Heather), Kaci (Ty), Kelly, Andrea (Tony), Russell, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, mother; Janice A. (Metcalf) Schimmel, sister; Diane (Rob) Amys, niece, nephews, other relatives and special friends, Pat Brink, Barb Webb, Lucky Smith and Elaine Stuckert (Fairy Godmother).He is preceded in death by his father, Clinton M. Schimmel.

Memorial services for Dale will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 9, 2018 at Chetek Lutheran Church with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating.  Family and friends may gather from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  Please join the family for a luncheon and continued fellowship in the church hall following the service.  In fitting with Dale's style, casual dress is encouraged.

In memory of Dale, memorials can be made to Chetek Lutheran Church or Chetek Food Shelf.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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