Dale Serum

Dale Gordon Serum was born in Halstad, MN on June 23, 1934.  His parents were the beloved Anna and Orlando Serum.

Growing up in Halstad, a small farming community, Dale played sports year-round with the same group of neighborhood friends who then graduated together in 1952. It was that year, that the Halstad Pirates so captivated this small town in the Red River Valley, that a book Pirates on the Prairie was written to chronicle the achievements of the 1952 teams.  Halstad placed third in the state basketball tournament and won the state baseball tournament. At that time, there were no class distinctions in the state and the Pirates then became known as the “Cinderella” team. Dale pursued his college career at Moorhead State University where he played basketball and baseball, graduating in 1957 with a degree in business.  He was inducted into the Dragon’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 1956, Dale married his high school sweetheart Carol Henderson.  In 1959, they moved to Alexandria and it was there that they raised their family, Gary, Greg and Deidre.  The family joined First Lutheran Church and that became their permanent church home.  Dale cherished his time working and volunteering in many different capacities.  It was through the church that he became involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Dale became the Recreation Director, a position he held for 18 years.  It was in 1980 that he became the Student Activities Director for School District 206, a position he held until his retirement in 1993.  Dale looked forward to going to school every day, eager to work with all school personnel, people he admired and respected so much.  He was known to put in countless hours needed for program development.  On his own time, Dale built, organized and maintained several concession stands throughout the community that provided revenue for park improvements and needed equipment.

Dale was a member of the Jaycees (serving as President for one year), Chamber of Commerce, Elks and Rotary Club.  Every Thursday noon was set aside for the weekly Rotary meeting at Garden Center.  He served this group as secretary for 24 years and enjoyed every aspect of that commitment.

Dale dedicated over 30 years refereeing and umpiring many basketball, baseball, football and volleyball leagues.  For many years he was also a player-manager for the Alexandria Baseball Team. He was an avid supporter of the American Legion Baseball program.  In 1967, Dale led the effort to reconstruct the stadium that stands today at the Knute Nelson Baseball Park.

Upon retirement in 1993, Dale joined the Atikwa Golf Club, serving as its president in 2008.  It was a rare morning that he would miss playing golf with his golf family who provided the competition he so enjoyed.

It was in 2015, that Dale was diagnosed with neuro-endocrine cancer.  He had wanted to take part in a trial program to find a drug to combat this disease.  He wanted to hit one more homerun.  It wasn’t meant to be as Dale left to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 4, 2018 – All Saints Day.

Those left to cherish Dale are his children Gary (Lori), Greg (Therese) and Deidre (Rob), who loved their devoted father who provided so many unforgettable memories and grandchildren Logan, Bailey, Brock, Morgan (Tommy) who meant so much to him and provided so much joy; brother Ronald, sister Leatrice (Bob), nieces, nephews and a wife who enjoyed every single day of their married life together.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11 AM at First Lutheran Church (822 Douglas Street) in Alexandria. A visitation will take place on Sunday, November 11, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home (659 Voyager Drive) and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  A Private Family Interment will be in Kinkead Cemetery.