Age 80 of Schoolcraft passed away Friday evening, October 17, 2025. Dale was born in Kalamazoo, on February 8, 1945, the son of Dale Gordon and Jacoba (Alphenaar) Lemmer. On February 20, 1964 he married Marilyn Jean Talsma who survives him. Dale loved gardening. He had a beautiful lawn and garden. He also enjoyed camping. Throughout their marriage he and Marilyn were foster parents to over 300 children. The family had a tradition of spending Saturdays at Pretty Lake. Sometimes they would even come home early from camping so they could spend that time together. Above all, Dale loved God and his family. He was a devoted member of Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church. His faith was important to him and he is now with the Savior he loved. Besides his wife, Dale is survived by his children, Brian (Donna) Lemmer of Mattawan, Sandra (Robert) Adams of Buchanan, Lisa (Kraig) Hoekstra of Martin, Kerry Lemmer of Kalamazoo; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Beth (John) Grashuis, Lois (Larry) Zuidema, Paul (Elaine) Lemmer, Mark (Theresa) Lemmer; his in-laws, Joyce Ryland and Aneda (James) Matteson; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law; son-in-law, Mark Rantz; brothers-in-law, Bob (Doris) Talsma and Ken (Emily) Talsma; brother-in-law, Wayne Ryland; sister-in-law, Jan Lemmer.