He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Naida; their two sons and their families: Frank and children, Jordyn and Jax of Seneca Falls, NY; Ray (Yvonne) and children, Sadie, Manny and Reina of Visalia, CA; his sister, Marilyn Buka, of Wauseon, OH; his brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Martha Wirgau of Tallahassee, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Maxine Bruder.
Dale was born in Ypsilanti, MI, on March 18, 1956. He graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. Prior to enrolling at the University of Toledo Law School, he met his lifelong companion, Naida. They married on December 27, 1980, and he later graduated with his Juris Doctor degree in 1982. Following four years of active duty at Naval Air Station Lemoore, in the Navy JAG Corps, the Bruders established a home in Visalia, CA, where they became active in the community and raised their sons. As a twenty year member of the Navy Reserve, Dale attained the rank of Captain and earned a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy Achievement Medal with a Star. As a member of Gateway Church, Dale served on the Deacon Board in the 1990’s. He was an active member of Visalia Breakfast Rotary, serving as Past President from 1998-99 and the President of the Visalia Rotary Community Foundation from 2013-14. In addition, he belonged to the Visalia Country Club. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary from 2001-03 and received a commendation for assisting in saving the life of and injured boater. Dale maintained an active Family Law practice from 1987 until his death and was recognized in 2010 by the California Law Report for a published opinion by the Fifth District Court of Appeals. He served as Administrative Hearing Officer for Tulare County Employee Retirement Association. In addition, Dale served as dedicated counsel to many corporate and private organizations in the Visalia community.
In the Fall of 2011, Dale was diagnosed with kidney disease and received a life-saving transplant from his son Ray, in March 2012. When time permitted, he enjoyed worldwide travel with Naida, relaxing on their boat on the Delta, biking throughout the Valley with his friend Jim, attending classic car events and supporting the Michigan Wolverines.
Dale will be remembered as a man of honesty, integrity and compassion. He was indeed a friend to all who knew him.
Celebration of Life service will be held at Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell Street, on Friday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m. This will be followed by a reception at the Visalia Country Club, 625 N. Ranch Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dale’s name can be made to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org). Condolences and recollections may be shared at www.millerchapel.com
