Dale E. Trumble's Obituary
Dale E. Trumble, age 86, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021. He was born May 9, 1935 in Bath, MI on his family farm to Fred and Opal (West) Trumble. The farm has been in the Trumble family for eight generations dating back to the 1850’s. Dale earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his master’s degree from University of Michigan. He began teaching industrial arts at St. Johns High School in St. Johns, MI where a very special home economics teacher brought him soup, and won his heart. He married Janet Clanahan on the campus of Michigan State University on December 27, 1960 and moved to the Muskegon area where Dale was instrumental in founding the Vocational Technology Programs for Muskegon Community College and their growth on the new campus until his retirement in 1988. Dale was Key Professor of the Foundry Educational Foundation, proud member of the American Foundry Society, and honorary lifetime member of the Michigan Industrial Educational Society. He mentored several generations of students to successful careers in industry, business and academia. Many of his former students became lifelong friends. After his teaching career at MCC, he continued working for Grand Haven Plastics for many years. Dale was a lifelong educator, often turning simple tasks into teachable moments. He had a passion for creating experiences for friends and family through hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking--from famous salmon dinners in the core ovens at the college to pig roasts for kids’ athletic teams. He hosted many visitors for Lake Michigan fishing trips over the years, and provided his children and grandchildren with special outdoor experiences at the farm. Dale was a longtime and active member of Central United Methodist Church in Muskegon. He supervised the restoration of the church including the stained glass windows and the new church boiler. Dale especially enjoyed sharing his love of family history and artifacts. Survivors include his beloved wife, Janet L. Trumble; 5 children, Kevin (Denise) Trumble, David (Heather) Trumble, Kenneth (Heidi) Trumble, Scott (Vonnie) Trumble, Beth Cotner, and niece Caroline (Greg) Putzig; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 sister, Virginia (Floyd) Lindauer; and 1 brother, Carl Trumble. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 17 2021 at Central United Methodist Church (1011 Second St.) with Pastor Rob Cook officiating. Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Friday, July16, 2021 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Dale E. Trumble Scholarship endowment through the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF), at www.fefinc.org/donate (Fund Name: Trumble). Sign online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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