Dale Kelch

Dale Allen Kelch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully after a courageous two-year battle with cancer, with his loving wife, Gail by his side. 

Dale was born on October 9, 1956, in San Jose, California, to Billie Allen Kelch and Carolyn Joy Seratt. He grew up in the small town of Ripon, California, where he developed an early love for sports and the outdoors. As a young man, Dale played both football and baseball in Ripon before attending Central Catholic, where he finished his high school years and played football for what he proudly considered the “best” team of that time.

Dale came from a family of brick masons and proudly followed in their footsteps. He spent his working life in the masonry trade, carrying on a family tradition and craft that had been passed down through generations. It was demanding work that suited Dale and reflected the strong work ethic that remained a part of who he was throughout his life.Outside of work, one of Dale’s greatest passions was hunting—although a good hunting dog may have been an equally important part of the experience.

 An avid duck hunter, Dale spent countless hours in the rice fields waiting patiently for the perfect shot. He loved the outdoors, his dogs, and the friendships and memories that came with time spent hunting.Dale lived much of his life in the Modesto, California, area before spending his final several years in the Columbus, Ohio, area. There, he became deeply involved in his church and community, building new friendships and continuing to live out the Christian faith that was central to his life.Above all, Dale was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. His faith provided him with strength, comfort, and peace, particularly throughout the difficult final years of his illness. 

As his battle with cancer progressed, Dale found comfort in knowing where he was going and remained steadfast in his faith until the very end.Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Billie Allen Kelch and Carolyn Joy Seratt, who passed away in 2004. Dale is survived by his wife of 34 years , Patricia Gail Pasqualone, and his children: Miche Poaster; Carrie McQueen (Wakiza); Corrie House (Ted); and Joshua Kelch (Jessica ); Jenifer Kemmerer (Bob); Ryan Pasqualone (Lauren) and 18 grandchildren. Though Dale will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the faith that sustained him: that his suffering has ended, he is at peace, and he is home with Jesus. Dales ashes will be spread in his favorite Duck hunting spot in California.