Dale Gene Friesen

He is survived by his devoted wife, Pamela Friesen, and their three sons: Shawn, Ryan Kent, and Leland. He is also survived by his mother, Carolyn Wiley, and siblings Diane Richards, Darrel Friesen, and Carl Friesen. Dale was the firstborn son of Paul and Carolyn Friesen, entering the world on January 4, 1958.

Growing up on the family peach orchard in Palisade, Colorado, working side by side with his father, Dale developed a relationship with Jesus and learned the value of hard work and service to others. He graduated from Palisade High School in 1976 and went on to attend Mesa State College, where he met his future wife, Pamela, earning his Drafting Certificate in 1978 and was married to Pam on June 28, 1980.

From 1984 to 1992, Dale worked as a peach farmer with his father while raising their three sons. With his natural curiosity and determination, Dale returned to college in 1992 to pursue engineering—completing his Mechanical Engineering degree at Colorado State University in 1995. He went on to enjoy a rewarding career as a mechanical engineer in Fort Collins, where he also found joy in playing hockey with his sons and meeting up with his siblings for mountain-town, two-man volleyball tournaments and camping.

Retiring in 2011, Dale and Pam returned to Grand Junction, where he embraced retirement and spent his time with his animals (dog, cat, chickens, and fish), tending his garden, volunteering at the Grand Valley SDA Community Service Center, enjoying family and church gatherings, and playing sports and card games.

A man of quiet strength and steadfast faith, Dale reflected the endurance of Job—patiently facing life’s trials, showing the faith of Jesus and continually praising God. Those who knew Dale remember his humility, his quiet humor, and his deep love for his family. He never wanted to be a burden to anyone and gave generously of himself in service to others.

A public memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, at the Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a reception to follow.