Dale J. Saltzgaber

He was born on October 16, 1924 in Jackson, Michigan to Harvey Dale and Elsie Viola (Everett) Saltzgaber and grew up in the Jackson area. He graduated from Jackson High School where he met the love of his life, Agnes. Upon graduation, Dale enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He became a pilot, flying B-24 Liberators and later served as a flight instructor training future pilots. In 1945 he married Agnes at the Post Chapel at the United States Army Air Field located near Liberal, Kansas. He and Agnes spent 57 wonderful years together before her passing in 2002.

Dale worked at Die-Cast Corporation in Jackson, creating engine parts for General Motors and smaller manufacturers like Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh Products. After many years of service, he retired from the company as the Quality Control Manager.

He enjoyed playing bridge, cribbage, reading, golfing, and traveling with Agnes. His 2015 trip to Europe with his Granddaughter Catherine and his participation in a 2017 Veteran’s Honor Flight to Washington DC were highlights of his later years. Above all, Dale was committed to his family, and his efforts to support them will never be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes; his son, James Saltzgaber; his parents, his brother, Derald Saltzgaber; and his nephew, Mark Saltzgaber.

Dale will be lovingly remembered by his son, John (Sharon) Saltzgaber; his grandchildren, Patrick (Kelly) Saltzgaber and Catherine (David) Saxton; his great-grandchildren, Alex Herrick, and Caitlynn and Matthew Saltzgaber; his sister, Phyllis Saltzgaber; his sister-in-law, Toni Saltzgaber; and many nieces and nephews, including: Connie (Mark) Dailey, Carole Lee, Mary (Jim) Tallman, Phillip Van Horn, Roberta Dwelley, Karen (Keith) Cronk, Susan (Tom) Magocs, Diane (Jerry) Vandenhout, Doug Saltzgaber, and Brian Saltzgaber.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 12:00 pm at St. Martha Parish, 1100 West Grand River Ave. in Okemos, with visitation from 11:00 am until the Mass. Social Distancing and masks will be required. The Mass will also be live streamed at www.st-martha.org Once on the site please click on the YouTube link about half way down the page.

A Celebration of Dale's life will be held at a later date, when friends and family can gather safely.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dale's honor to St. Martha Parish, Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, P.O. Box 385, Mecosta, MI 49332 or the donor’s charity of choice.