William Dale Schreck

William Dale Schreck, age 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Metairie, Louisiana. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication that will be cherished by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Dale is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Susanne Schreck; their daughter, Audrey Schreck; his sister, Sr. Therese Marie Schreck, SJM; and numerous cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Schreck.

Born on January 21, 1946, in Ludington, Michigan, Dale grew up in a community he loved and remained close to throughout his life. He studied at Mount Carmel Seminary at Niagara Falls for two years after high school. Dale then earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and later completed his master's degree at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. His dedication to both his education and his country led him to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction in Vietnam. Dale was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery in battle and achieved the rank of Captain.

Professionally, Dale worked as a petroleum geologist, a field he was deeply passionate about. He spent his career working with various oil and gas companies, carefully reading maps to locate new drilling sites for oil and gas. Upon his retirement, Dale found a new calling as a teacher at Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he spent five fulfilling years inspiring young minds.

Dale’s love for life extended beyond his work. He was a man who never met a stranger, always engaging with people and making connections wherever he went. He was known for his affable nature, his kindness, and his openness. His close friends and family recall his deep sense of humor, his high moral standards, and his unwavering support for those he loved.

A passionate traveler, Dale embraced every opportunity to explore the world with Susanne. During their marriage of 54 years, they lived in eight different states across the country. Their summers in Ludington, Michigan, were a highlight of their retirement, and the pair enjoyed a life full of adventures. Dale was also an avid cyclist, taking long rides along the scenic beach roads of Destin/Miramar Beach, Florida, where he and Susanne lived after retirement.

Dale was deeply involved in the life of his daughter, Audrey, whom he and Susanne adopted when Dale was 43 and Susanne was 42. He took an active role in her upbringing, coaching her soccer and basketball teams, attending her dance classes, and always being there for her, whether it was for school activities, help with homework or simply offering a listening ear. Audrey was the light of his life, and Dale was immensely proud of the person she had become — compassionate, moral, and strong.

Dale's commitment to Susanne and their family was unwavering, particularly as they navigated the challenges of aging and illness. He was a devoted husband who, even in his later years, ensured that Susanne’s needs were always met. His patience, devotion, and compassion were evident in every moment they spent together.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Dale's life at a memorial Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM. A visitation will be held beginning at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow the Mass at Metairie Cemetery.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

Dale's family and friends will forever remember him as a loving husband, father, brother, and friend — a man of integrity, warmth, and love. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.