Dale Gilbert Kvale

Dale Gilbert Kvale was born June 19th, 1942, the middle son of Gilbert and Cora (Stadheim) Kvale. He grew up in Manchester, MN and graduated from Albert Lea High School. He attended the University of MN where he met his future wife, Sonja Olson, on a blind date. After his freshman year, he transferred to Brown Institute in Minneapolis, earned his draftsman training and gained employment at American Hoist and Derrick in St. Paul. He and Sonja were married on July 18th, 1964, in Benson, MN. One year later they moved to Moorhead, MN where he returned to college for his secondary education degree and a ROTC commission in the US Army.

After completing his degree, Dale’s military commission was deferred for one year while he and Sonja taught in Grand Rapids, MN. Upon receiving his commission into the US Army, they moved to Fort Sill in Lawton, OK. Dale was a fire base instructor at the Field Artillery School before he was deployed to Vietnam as part of Americal Division. Dale served as a forward observer and then as company Commander at Firebase Maryann during his one-year tour. During his tour, Dale was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart while on a mission as a forward observer. During this battle, Dale prayed his prayer of salvation, dedicating his life to Jesus.

Upon returning stateside, Dale transitioned to active military reserve while teaching at Battle Lake, MN. Dale served an additional 6 years in the reserves and raised his family in Battle Lake. During this time, he also earned a master’s degree from St. Cloud State University in Mass Media. He taught math and served as librarian for 29 years while also enjoying his role coaching the golf team. After getting the opportunity to design the library and mass media area at the new school, he retired from his educator roles in 1999.

Upon retirement, Dale and Sonja relocated to Belle Vista, Arkansas where they enjoyed golf and making many new friends. Dale and Sonja worked with and started Mirror Images, an international ministry for emotional and spiritual healing. They conducted healing and training sessions across the world, including memorable stops in Israel, Kenya, and England among the other 15 nations they served.

Dale enjoyed reading, golfing, gardening, wood working, traveling and card games. Dale also loved spending time with his family and loved ones.

He began his new life adventure in heaven on Monday the 8th of December 2025, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Sonja of Alexandria, MN; his brother, Thomas (Barbara) Kvale of Cologne, MN; children, Janna (Kevin) Ballard of Pelican Rapids, MN and Dirk (Heather) Kvale of Hutchinson, MN; grandchildren, Zachary (Lilly) Ballard, Emma Ballard, Jennessa Ballard, Noah Ballard, Benjamin (Cassandra) Kvale, great-grandchild Atlas Kvale, Samuel Kvale, Sophie Kvale, and Adeline Kvale, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother and wife: Ron and Donna Kvale and niece Melissa (Kvale) Kerr.