Dale Strietzel Obituary

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, Dr. Dale Strietzel, loving father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully while surrounded by family outside of Denver, CO at the age of 67.

With a tender heart and deep love, it was fitting Dale was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1957, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to James and Dorothy Strietzel. He was the eldest son of eleven children. Following in the footsteps of his father, Dale graduated with a doctorate in dentistry from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1982. Right after graduation, he became the associate dentist at his father's practice, eventually taking it over. He then acquired a second practice in Random Lake, WI.

As a child, his family would take summer vacations to explore out west. These experiences gave birth to a dream to one day live in the Rockies, where the mountains were calling him. That dream was fulfilled in 1995 when he moved his family to Colorado, eventually finding a home in Durango, CO. He first acquired a practice in Mancos, CO in 1996 and then another, Sunrise Dentistry, in Durango, CO in 2008. Dale, a true pioneer, became one of the first holistic dentists in Southwest Colorado after developing a passion for holistic dentistry where his approach to dental care included the overall health and well-being of each individual patient. Not only did he emphasize prevention and the use of non-toxic materials, but he also loved to take extra time to sit with his patients to talk about nutrition and the mind-body-spirit connection.

Dale was a devoted family man, raising five children who would often stretch his patience (you're welcome dad!). Together they shared many wonderful memories: listening to achy breaky heart on long road trips, finding the most remote camping spot, or learning how to play the newest board or card game he discovered.

Dale, above all, was a man of deep faith and often expressed how his relationship with Christ was the most important thing in his life. His spiritual devotion, compassionate care for others, and adventurous spirit led him on many mission's trips, serving in places such as Guatemala, Mexico, Romania, Peru, Africa, and India.

And if he wasn't on a mission's trip, working, or playing games with friends or family, you would find him in the great outdoors where his wilderness survival skills were unrivaled. He was the kind of person you would want to be with if the world was coming to an end, never unprepared! He loved it all: hiking, backpacking, hunting, biking, fishing, and camping. Basking in the beauty of creation is where he often said he experienced God's presence the most.

He will be deeply missed.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Strietzel and his sister Marion Weasler. He is survived by his children Aaron M. Strietzel and spouse Maly Strietzel, ND, Dustin J. Strietzel and spouse Amber Strietzel, Lauren M. Strietzel and spouse Jason Minette, Cody M. Strietzel and spouse Kelly Strietzel, Dillon J. Strietzel, Christine Strietzel, the mother of his five children, and siblings, Janet Altschwager and spouse Tim, Lynn Strietzel, Karen Wilkinson and spouse Jerry (deceased), Dona Smith and spouse Christopher, Lary Strietzel and spouse Sheryl, Kurt Strietzel and spouse Lori, Diane Neumann and spouse Nathan, David Strietzel, Jamie Strietzel and spouse Laura, brother-in-law Ernest Weasler, and fourteen grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2024, at Pine Valley Church, 1328 CR 501, Bayfield CO 81122

Give - Pine Valley Church (subsplash.com) or mailed by check to Pine Valley Church, 1328 CR 501, Bayfield CO 81122. Please include Dale Strietzel Memorial in the memo.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Missions Outfitters online by visiting https://subsplash.com/u/pinevalleychurch/give or mailed by check to Pine Valley Church, 1328 CR 501, Bayfield CO 81122. Please include Dale Strietzel Memorial in the memo.