Dale Douglas Harpstead

Dale Harpstead, 98, was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Ella Mae (Schultz) and Torkel O (Tom) Harpstead on September 10, 1926. Dale died on October 15, 2024, of natural causes in East Lansing, MI.

Dale graduated from Wilmot High School (South Dakota) in 1944, entering the ROTC at South Dakota State University. He achieved a Bachelor of Science degree at SDSU and received a PhD in Genetics at the University of Nebraska. Dale achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Army, he served in Germany during the Korean Conflict.

Dale’s professional life was dedicated to research and teaching others about effective and efficient crop production. Dale worked for the Rockefeller Foundation on corn genetics, which was a project whose goal was to improve the nourishment of corn in Colombia. After returning to the United States in 1969 Dale served as the Chair of the Crop and Soil Sciences Department at Michigan State University, until his retirement in 1985. After his retirement from MSU, he had a 2 year appointment to work for the State Department in Washington, DC. He was active on the Board of Self-Help International as an advisor to the Nicaragua project in retirement.

Dale married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Sorbel, in 1948, and the two were married for over 74 years. Together they lived and raised their five children in various states and countries, eventually settling in East Lansing, Michigan.

Dale was baptized at home and confirmed at Wilmot Lutheran Church in South Dakota. Dad said his faith blossomed when he was a student in the Lutheran Student Association (LSA) while attending SDSU. Both Dale and Mary were active members at University Lutheran Church in East Lansing for over 50 years.

Dale was an avid bird carver, making many intricately carved birds for over 40 years and became a true expert in his craft. He even won a blue ribbon at the Minnesota State Fair for a Ruffed Grouse.

Dale is predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou Harpstead, his brother Milo, sister Maxine, his parents and other relatives.

Dale is survived by Daniel Harpstead (Sharon) of Culleoka, TN, Stanley Harpstead (Jodi) of Arden Hills, MN, Philip Harpstead (Gail) of Morris, MN, Thomas Harpstead-Vergara (Claudia) of Owosso, MI, and Beth Walch of Bismarck, ND, 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and all those who knew him. Dale was a neighbor to all and had a heart for people. He will be greatly missed for his kindness and welcoming spirit.