Dale Duane Schweitz

Dale Duane Schweitz, 69, died Sunday, June 25, 2017, after suffering from injuries resulting from a fall. He was born Feb. 2, 1948. As a lifelong Missoula native, Dale attended Cold Springs Elementary and graduated from Sentinel in 1966 before marrying Lynda Smith in 1967. He began working at Meadowgold Dairy after high school and enlisted in the National Guard in 1968. He and Lynda had two children together, Theresa and Dale Jr., but divorced in 1986. He was also married to Trina Williamson during the early 1990s.

Dale enjoyed sports throughout his life, and played fast- and slow-pitch softball on several teams into his 40s. He was an avid bowler and billiards player, and enjoyed fishing, camping, and going on road trips. He was widely known to be a kind, generous man with a great sense of humor. He loved sharing a drink and a good story with his friends.

He took early retirement from Meadowgold Dairy, but is still remembered by long-term employees as one of the hardest workers they ever knew. In his later years, Dale was a member of the Moose Lodge. He could always be counted on by his friends to open his door and help out anyone in need. He will be missed by his dear friends with whom he spent his days -- Rick Watson, Kristine and many others.

Dale was preceded in death by his father and mother, Irene (Kitzan) Schweitz and Herbert Schweitz, and both ex-wives (Lynda Waddell and Trina Williamson). He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Alan and Kathy Schweitz of Missoula; his two children, Theresa Koch of Post Falls, Idaho, and Dale Schweitz Jr. of Missoula; four grandchildren: Shandi Martin, Jacob, Christopher, and Dale Thompson; and eight great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many extended relatives and friends.

A gathering in remembrance of Dale will be held Friday, July 7, at Garden City Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m.