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Dale Kongslie
He was born January 14th, 1935 in Rugby, ND to Alice (Juderjohn) Kongslie and Reuben Kongslie. Dale was raised and attended primary and secondary school at A.D. Public School in Upham, North Dakota where his father ran a successful Allis Chalmers dealership and his mother was a teacher. He had great memories growing up in Upham along with his younger sister, MaryAnn. There were many stories throughout the years of how he enjoyed terrorizing her, all in good fun, as only a brother would do. The memories and stories brought lots of laughs throughout the years for all of us. He played football, basketball, and baseball. Dale was active in Scouting and attained Eagle Scout rank, Troop 24, Upham, North Dakota on November 26th, 1952. Dale attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Social Studies. He took his first teaching job at Barrett, MN where he met his future wife, Shirley Marie Dahl, whom also was an educator. They pledged their love in matrimony in Barrett, MN on January 1st, 1958. Shirley was the “Love of Dale’s life” celebrating 67 years of marriage before his passing. Dale joined the U.S. Army Reserves on March 24th, 1959 as a supply clerk MOS 768.20, then transferred by reenlisting into the North Dakota Army National Guard in Minot, North Dakota serving with the Head Quarter Company, 164th Engineering Battalion as a Personnel Specialist MOS 716.10 attaining the rank of SP5 E5 before being honorably discharged September 15th, 1962. Dale culminated his educational goals by receiving a Masters degree in School Administration from the University of Superior in Superior, WI. His coaching and School administrator career took him to many locations. He remembered the names of those he coached throughout the years and fondly spoke of them with great details. Dale ended his career serving as the Principal at Oxford Elementary School in Oxford, WI. Dale loved to travel, fish, and brag “Oh, them Packers!!”
Surviving Dale is his wife Shirley Kongslie (Dahl), three children, Mark (Kimmie) Kongslie, Amy (Michelle) Kongslie, Teresa (Douglas) Beaver, a sister, MaryAnn Kongslie Smith, six grandchildren: Kylie (Luke) Kongslie, Ryan (Breyanna) Kongslie ,Justin (Kirsten) Slowey, Nathan Slowey, Hannah (Geno) Slowey and Peyton Slowey; and four great-grandchildren: Briggs Michael Slowey, Giovanni Nicholas Quattrocchi, Harvey Salzwedel and Scarlett Beres. Dale was also very close to his three nephews: Kevin (Charlotte) Smith, Bradley Smith, and Brent (Becky) Smith.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents: Alice and Reuben Kongslie, brother-in-law, Rodney (MaryAnn) Smith; granddaughter, Kendra Suzanne Kongslie; and a great nephew, Davin Smith.
A memorial service is being planned for a future date locally at the Roseberry Funeral Home, Friendship, WI and details will published and posted online as they become available. There will be a final internment memorial service with honors at Bloomfield Lutheran Cemetery, Upham, ND at a date still to be determined.
Mr. Kongslie hired me as a 1st grade teacher in Turtle Lake. He was a great support to the staff. Prayers for peace as you celebrate his life.
Condolances to Dale’s family. I had the privilage of working with Dale as a fellow principal for the School District of Westfield for several years. He was a great friend, excellent principal, and had a positive influence on many students. I could always depend on him for some advice and a little humor! He will be missed and remembered as an outstanding educator, father, and friend! RIP Dale
Jon Swenson
I feel lucky to have started my teaching career in Turtle Lake in 1980 under the leadership of Mr. Kongslie as the superintendent. He created an atmosphere of warmth and support for the entire school. He had a very positive impact on so many in our profession. I carry in my life wonderful memories of my year at Turtle Lake. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sincerely,
Ann Slattery
Mark and Amy,
In 1980 Mr. Kongslie, your dad, hired me to teach high school English at Turtle Lake – Mercer HS in Turtle Lake, ND. I had the pleasure of teaching Mark (senior and gentle giant) and Amy (freshman and budding poet) during that school term. Mr. Kongslie always provided support for this first year teacher. I now live in Pine River, Wisconsin and was surprised to see your dad’s obituary in our local paper, The Argus. Please accept my sincere condolences. I hope that both your lives are filled with wonderful memories of a great man. With Peace, Cindy Schwinden
Needless to say I have many fond memories both as my boss and friend. My heart goes out to you and all the family. I miss him.
So sorry Teresa and family!
I can not even think of the words right now…hugs to you all and what a great man to share his stories with the next generations. He always wore a big smile and had words of wisdom to share. Rest in peace Mr. K
Condolences to the family! Mr. Kongslie was my grade school principal at Westfield elementary. He always had a smile on his face.
Teresa so sad to hear this my heart is with you
Lots of strength and love
❤️ Nan Hinze
I feel truly honored to have known Dale. His smile and laugh truly lit up my day. I will forever miss him and his humor and his hugs.