Dale Brehe
August 22, 1952 ~ November 17, 2014
View Dale's Tribute Video
Dale Dean Brehe of Agar, South Dakota, passed away on the evening of November 17, 2014 after a short fight with glioblastoma brain cancer. He died at age 62 at his log cabin home with his family.
Memorial services were held at 2:00 pm Monday, November 24, 2014, at the Agar Hall, Agar with Pastor Luke Edwards officiating. A prayer service was held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, November 23, 2014 at the Agar Hall. Dale was cremated and spread near his beloved place in Sully County.
Dale was born to Albert and Ella (Olson) Brehe on August 22, 1952 in Hoven, SD. He went to Cass country school and Agar High School. After leaving high school early, he worked in Colorado, and then returned to South Dakota to work briefly in Holabird, finally returning to work in the Agar area and went to shoeing school. He met Jane Marie Schmitgen through the youth group at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Onida, SD. They were united in marriage on May 29, 1976. They had their first child, Micky Lee, January 2 1979, closely followed by Jenny Marie September 12, 1980.
Dale loved animals. On the Brehe ranch were horses, mules, a donkey, cats, dogs, geese, chickens, pheasants, baby calves, buffalo, a few black buck antelope, sheep, barbadol sheep, rabbits, goats (dairy and the curly angoras), llamas, a potbellied pig, and later emus and ostriches. He raised Simmental cattle, Gelbvieh, Angus, and later Akaushi crosses. He also had a dairy for a short time. Dale and Jane’s place was known as the petting zoo by many children in the area. Dale learned to drive teams of horses from his Dad, and developed a lifelong love of wagon trains, through which he made many friends that became the family's wagon train family. In 1989, he took the entire family on the 3 month Centennial Wagon train across the state of South Dakota. He ended with the 125th Wagon Train this past September. He loved taking his grandkids and many other kids, young and old along on hay rides or wagon trains, and the annual Nite Before Xmas Hayride in Onida.
He was actively involved in St. John’s Lutheran in Agar as a youth group leader, a voter, Sunday school superintendent, and President of the congregation, later joining Holy Cross, Onida as a voter. He attended numerous meetings as an LCMS delegate for the church at district and national conventions. He was AAL and Thrivent president for years. He served on the Young Farmer Ranch board, Sully County Farm Bureau both as a member and as president. Dale was a 4-H leader for 27 years and 4-H Council President. He and Jane started the 4-H Archery program in 1992 and touched the lives of many kids, and had lots of fun. He was also member of an Audubon society and Rabbit club in Pierre, the Agar Fire Department, a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club, and of the NRA. Jane and Dale received the conservation award and the Rural School Award for support of the Agar school and community. Dale was always ready to lend a helping hand, whenever and wherever needed. He greeted people with a big smile and a friendly handshake. He always believed there is a reason for everything that happens, we may not know, but there is a reason.
His survivors includes his precious wife, Jane; his two wonderful children: Micky of Agar, Jenny (Rev. David) Brinkmeyer of Pleasant Dale, NE; four fun grandchildren: Abigail, 8; Joshua, 6; Micah, 4; and Chloe, 2; three sisters: Bonnie Smith, Connie (Eric) Hedeen, and Bobbie (Lee) Bierman; lots of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and numerous relatives and many, many friends, he called family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ella Brehe; nephew, Kelly Smith; brother-in-law, Elmer Smith; and one great nephew, Sam Bierman.
We want to thank Avera Home Hospice especially Patty Muser for all her support. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Dale’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Bruce and I are continuing to pray for your family. May you feel God’s peace and strength in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Heaven gained so much when Dale went home to be with our Lord. I know he will be out taking care of all the animals in Heaven. Prayers are with Jane and all the family, keep your memories close.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Jane and family we are sending you our deepest sympathy ,our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Many years have passed since I’ve last seen Dale, but he was a truly kind, gentle, and big-hearted man. In 1999, he and Jane came to the Sutton Ranch to see our newborn son, Rowdy Hillmer. I recall how he eagerly took Rowdy into his arms when Jane asked if he wanted a turn. He looked into his face for the longest time and touched the soft tuft of Rowdy’s red hair and said, "Well, little guy, you have a big name to fill!" A few months later, I stopped over at Dale and Jane’s and as I went into talk to Jane, Dale took Rowdy out with him. I returned to find Dale holding Rowdys tiny hand on the nose of a horse. Rowdy was more intrigued with touching Dale’s beard instead of the horse…which gave Dale a chuckle. A man who loved the simple things in life and made sure those around him appreciated them, too. Prayers to Jane, Jenny, and Mickey and all the family. Vicki Voss
My deepest condolences to all of the Brehe family upon the death of Dale. He was dedicated to preservation of the "horse and wagon" and will surely be missed by the citizens of South Dakota. His passing also is a loss to the life of the church on this side of heaven. May the comfort and peace of our Gracious God be with you
My heart is heavy and I am so sorry for your loss!!! Dale was a very good man, not only as a father and husband, but as a cousin, nephew and to the community of Sully County… I will always love my cousin with all my heart!! Prayers are with Jane, Micky and Jenny !!!
Our sympathy to the family. We pray you are comforted knowing He was ready and also thankful that his suffering was was limited. We will always remember the hay rides of years ago. No doubt He has a wagon hitched and is enjoying eternity…may God wrap His arms around you all. God bless.
Roger and Vikki Day and family
Prayers for your family. Dale will be missed in our community.
We have had the honor and privilege of knowing Dale and Jane for many years. Their friendship, kindness, and generosity; always abundant. God has a special place for the likes of Dale, and there is a special place for Jane and family in the hearts of those who are honored to know them. Please accept out deepest sympathy and condolences. Jim, Brenda, Robert, Michael, and Kathryn Hardwick
Dear Jane and family, I am thinking of you and praying for your comfort. Dale was a year a head of me in high school. But what I remember recently was at the Agar all school reunion in 2009 and sitting across from you and Dale and visiting, it was so nice. God Bless You All. Pam Faz
Dear Jane, Mickey, Jenny, and Family,
My sympathies and my prayers for God’s comfort are with all of you. Dale was an unforgettable person in my life and ministry.
In Jesus Christ’s Service,
Pastor Richard Milbrandt
Jane and family so sorry for your loss. I’m regret that i can’t make it Sunday or Monday. As I will be in Jacksonville , N.C. with my son for Thanksgiving.
my heartfelt condolences – he was a man of substance – bigger than the prairie skies.
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Allen, Rosie, Justin, Caleb, and Aleena.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family! Jeff and Laura Matson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
sorry to hear of Dales death may you find comfort in the memorys and good times, he will be missed on wagon trains for his help and friendship
What a great man and friend.Prayers and good wishes to all the family.
Dale blessed so many people with his faith and kindness. My prayers are with you as you go through the grief of losing such a loving husband, dad, and grandpa.
Dale had an honest heart and followed each trail in life with honor. Hoping that you find comfort in knowing his final ride led to the gates of Heaven.
Dear Jane and family,
We have said many prayers for you and your family during this time since you left the wagon train for the hospital. Reading the obituary underscores all of the many things that you and Dale together did for others. We so enjoyed being near you and your family on the wagon train. The grandchildren will keep these memories forever of the costumes and the way they could call for Grandpa and he was so kind and gentle. We were camped in our trailer next to you when they arrived so enthusatic and happy to be with you.
You have our sympathy as you go through these difficult days of loss. You will always feel Dale’s spirit.
May God comfort you and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Jerry and Gwen Fleace
God bless you at this very sad time. It was an honor to have known Dale and be able to participate in his last wagon train. Praying for you.
Jane and family,
I’m so sorry for your great loss. I enjoyed working with you and Dale at the State 4-H Shoot every year. Even though I only saw him once a year, his kind and gentle manner stood out to me. I pray for your comfort and guidance through this most difficult time.
My sincere condolences. I was so sorry to hear this, and your family is in my prayers. It is comforting knowing his faith in Jesus Christ, and that he is in heaven with God now!
Our deepest sympathies to your family and continued prayers that God gives you comfort at this time. Julie, Jay and Paige
Words can’t express how much we will miss Uncle Dale. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with our South Dakota family during this time. We love you guys!
Jane and family
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to your community as well.So many memories growing up with Dale. We will always enjoy him in our hearts.
Jane and Family, you have truly lost a great gentle Man. Dale was so giving, and faithfull to Our Lord. He will be greatly missed by so many, more than you’ll ever know. May Gad Bless all of You and Grant You all His Peace.
Our Prayers and Thought are with the family. Jane we are thinking of you. He was a fine gentlemen and will be missed. We really enjoyed him on the wagon trains and his horses.
Prayers to your family.
I was sad to learn of Dales passing after hearing he a good day. We don’t have many people that handle a team like he did and it will be a loss to all who love what he did with the wagon train.
We were sad to hear of Dale’s illness and recent passing. Please know we are keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Gordie and Kathy Collins.
Dear family of Mr. Brehe: Although I do not know your family personally, I was deeply saddened by his death. I want to express my deepest sympathy as you endure this great loss. death is such a tragedy for all of us, and when it touches us personally, it’s sometimes difficult to find the comfort that we search for. Our heavenly Father fells the empathy for all who have felt the sting of death and therefore promises that death, pain and mourning will be eliminated very soon. (please read revelation 21:4) Jesus gave more reasons for hope at John 5:28,29 where he explains…"all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out" As you read the above texts in your Bible, may the wonderful hope they give us, along with your loving memories, bring you a measure of comfort during this most difficult time. Sincerely: Jim DiCarlo
Jane, Micky and Jenny
Dad and I are saddened by Dale’s passing and all that you are going through at this time. Yet we rejoice that Dale has finished his race here on earth and even now is standing in the presence of His Savior. May you each feel an abundance of Christ’s strength, love and peace during the days ahead. Keeping you in our prayers. Blessings H&A
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
What joy that Dale is with our Lord. What sorrow for your family and friends that we are without him here. The first time I met your family I knew you were special. I looked up to you so much. God’s blessings to you Jane, kids and all. Love DeAnna and Mitch
Jane and Family,
We were very sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. We are very happy that we were able to make it to the family reunion in July at Linda’s place, to get to see and talk to Dale one last time. Just know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at the time. Please let us know about the memorial once everything is set up.
Love, Nick and Teresa