Dale Gustav Mrotz, 84, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2022, with his family by his side at his home in Ellendale, MN.
Dale was born on August 1, 1937 in Albert Lea, MN, to Gustav and Mabel (Franke) Mrotz. He was raised on the family farm and grad- uated from Ellendale Geneva Schools in 1956. Following gradu- ation, he began working at Queen Stove Works in Albert Lea, MN while determined to achieve his goal of having a family and farm- ing as well.
On June 27, 1957, Dale married his lifelong partner, Barbara Lang- lie. Together, they raised 4 children: Monty, Lisa, Victor and Daniel. They bought a piece of land, traded the family car for an Oliver tractor, and never looked back. In 1969, he added school bus driver to his family and farming duties. He drove bus for 38 years at his alma mater. A few years later, Dale and Barb opened their home up to their special nephew, Jason Langlie. Dale and Jason took weekly car rides, collected pop cans, and loved to check on the farm.
Although Dale was a quiet man, he was especially proud of his chil- dren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all their accom- plishments. He was a lifelong, con- firmed member of the First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, MN.
Dale was preceded in death by: his parents; parents-in-law (Athan and Helyn Langlie); brothers-in- law (Curt Waage, Jerry Langlie and Bruce Langlie).
Left to cherish his memory are: his wife (Barbara); sister (Judy Waage); sister-in-law (Julie Lang- lie); children/in-laws (Monty/Toni Mrotz, Lisa Mrotz, Victor /Kellie Mrotz, and Daniel/Melba Mrotz); grandchildren (Mikkel /Jenny Iver- son, Jami Marzolf, Justin/Ashley Mrotz, Dr. Victoria Mrotz, Hudson Mrotz, and Sophia Mrotz); great- grandchildren (Tyler Iverson, Ethan, Logan and Riley Marzolf and Gideon Mrotz); as well as sev- eral nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thurs- day, July 28, 2022 at First Lutheran Church, Ellendale, MN from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022at First Lutheran Church, El- lendale, MN at 2 p.m., with a one- hour visitation before the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Lutheran Church, PO Box 145, Ellendale, MN, 56026.