Dale Joseph Peatee of Fort Myers, FL (formerly of Toledo, OH) passed away peacefully at home on April 7, 2021 at the age of 79. Wearing a plaid shirt and jean shorts, he walked into heaven with a fork in his hand (to have a bite of the best dessert in paradise) and a bouquet of flowers for the love of his life, Mitzi, who had been waiting patiently for him in God’s sewing room. I believe when he saw her he probably said: “Hey, how about you wrap it up and we head out to the beach for a drink?”
Dale was a loving husband, dedicated father, and doting grandfather. He was a caring brother and loyal friend. His passion for building and repairing things earned him the affectionate nickname of “MacGyver.” He loved the outdoors and instilled a love of fishing in his daughters and grandchildren after many boating trips. He always used to say: “So much more happens then just fishing.” The space in between reeling in the next fish was always filled with loving conversations, laughter, and a cold refreshing drink (alcoholic or not depending on the age of the fishing partner). Dale enjoyed annual hunting trips with friends. Over the course of 68 years, he made many memories on Devils Lake in Michigan.
He was an extraordinarily giving soul who impacted the lives of all who knew him. When his daughters were young, he was known by the basketball team as “Money Bags” as he used to give each player a quarter for every basket made. He was thrifty, but immensely resourceful. His marriage was steadfast and he embodied “for better or for worse” with his wife Mitzi for 52 years. For those who were lucky enough to have witnessed this union, his devotion was the kind of love you read about in books or see in movies.
Dale was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales (1959). He also went to the University of Toledo where he met his wife while working on the homecoming float committee. Dale was employed in the family business, Mellocraft, until he became a small business owner. He served in the Ohio Army National Guard for 6 years in the 107th Armored Cavalry Regiment and later the 612th Engineer Battalion.
Dale was a lifetime member of Conn-Weissenberger American Legion Post 587 (Toledo), Melvin Cowart American Legion Post 274 (Fort Myers), and Fort Myers Beach Moose Lodge 964. He served as an officer in Post 587 in the 1970s.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marcella (Boes) Peatee, wife Mitzi; siblings Donald (Diane) and JoAnne (Beryl) Stewart. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Kimberly (Robb) Feld of Oldsmar, FL; Suzette (Steve) Biela of Ida, MI; grandchildren, Sarah, Ashely (Rob) Long, Steven; great-grandchildren, Adrianna and Dominic; and brothers Carl (Connie), Terree (Kris) and Larree.
Visitation will be at Walker Funeral Home, Thursday, May 13, 2021, from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at 5155 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623. Family will receive friends on Friday, May 14, at 9:30 AM in St. Charles Catholic Church with a funeral mass beginning at 10:30 AM and interment at Calvary Cemetery.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Frank Rodriguez and Dr. Monica Young for their quality and compassionate care. Kindest of thanks is also extended to Yvonne Henley, CNA, for the excellent care and endless support she provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Toledo Humane Society.