Dale Spencer Embretson

Dale Spencer Embretson (95 years young) passed to eternity on Tuesday, October 13th surrounded by his devoted family. He enjoyed remarkable health. He modeled for three generations what it means to live your values every single day. Dale was born in Fargo, ND on May 24th, 1931 to Spencer and Della Embretson. He joined his older sister Cindy to complete their family. Theirs was a family dedicated to service. His parents were itinerant missionaries who moved frequently to go where they felt led. Faith and belief in Jesus were central themes of Dale’s childhood and it taught him the importance of trusting in God for every provision and being a blessing to others. Dale never wavered from his deep and abiding faith in God. Words that embody Dale are constant, faithful, intentional and devoted. Dale wasn’t flashy. He had substance.

Dale graduated from South High in Minneapolis in 1949 and met “Beautiful Betty” at the Gospel Tabernacle. They married in 1951 and spent their first two years separated while Dale served in the US Army as a Corporal in Germany. Two years of love letters chronicle their early devotion to each other which grew with each decade. They were a dynamic duo who enjoyed playing gospel music. Betty on organ and Dale on his trusty trumpet. They thrived in this joint ministry until well into their 90s. Dale thrived under the discipline of music and the rigor of practice. He played a mean trumpet for over 80 years. He could always hit the high notes. They gardened companionably, traveled extensively and Betty regularly outscored him in bowling. Both could bowl over 150 and Betty even reaching a 230. In total Dale & Betty loved well on earth for 75 years.

Dale and Betty first settled in Milbank, SD and joyfully welcomed a daughter (Gail) and a son (Gary). They moved their young family back to MN where Dale pursued a 30+ year career as a court reporter. Dale captured with clarity other people’s stories. His attention to detail and precision served the court extremely well. Dale was tidy. He dressed well and wrote precisely. Accuracy mattered and Dale listened intently to get it right.

Whatever Dale valued he cultivated. He loved Jesus. He loved Betty. He loved hard work and the satisfaction of building things. He loved his children and grandchildren and reveled in his three great grandsons. He loved apple pie. He loved music.

For nearly 40 years Dale built and maintained lake homes. He laid a foundation and worked hard to bring his vision into reality. Dale’s time at their MN cabins was paramount. It combined his favorite things- mowing the lawn, the trill of loons, wood working, time with grandkids, the beauty of nature and time to reflect. Dale lived on point. Nowhere was this more true than in the fastidiousness of his garage. He valued organized spaces and thoughts. He held high standards, chiefly applied to himself and sometimes comically so. Dale was measured. He lived by the axiom “measure twice, cut once”…careful, thoughtful. He was an incredible handyman.

Dale was a giver. He shared his wonder at the gift of salvation with countless servers and providers. He gave away thousands of his trademark little red bibles and later a book he authored about his parents’ lives called “We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight”. He never lost the wonder and amazement at the gift of God’s grace and would share his personal testimony with anyone who would listen.

Incredible. Indelible. Dale made an impact. Legacy is best defined as “What others accomplish because of you.” Dale showed daily what it means to honor God. He was calm and constant. He lived and loved well for nearly a century. We will live to a higher standard having born witness to his life.

Preceding Dale in death was his parents, Spencer and Della Embretson, and sibling, Cindy Carson. He is survived by his dear wife Betty, children, daughter Gail Vass and husband Mike of Maple Plain, MN, son Gary and wife Leanne of Scottsdale, AZ. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brent Vass, Chad Vass, Brenna Lamar (husband Luke), Connor Embretson (wife Lisa), Aryn Embretson and great grandchildren Calvin, Miles and Wyatt Lamar.

A private interment will take place at Ft. Snelling on October 22, 2026.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Okalee of Medina for their love and care. We also would like to thank many others for their love and prayers.

In honor of your kindness and generosity, any memorial gifts will be given to ICCM Life Center, Minneapolis, MN.