Dale Moldenhauer, 82, of Williston, North Dakota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Friday, November 5, 2021 at his residence in Williston, ND.

Dale C. Moldenhauer was born in March of 1939 in Rugby, ND where he lived until the age of 5 before his family moved west to Williston, ND. An only child to Alfred and Emma, Dale was a very precocious and hardworking individual. He was very devoted and faithful to his mother and Lebanese grandparents, often speaking Lebanese over English when running errands for his grandmother.

Following his graduation from Williston High School, he enrolled in Brown Institute for Broadcasting in Minneapolis to pursue his dream of being behind the microphone. Putting himself through school, he flipped burgers and whipped up milkshakes at McDonalds. Part of his wages included a complimentary cheeseburger, fries, and a shake. It took him about 3 months to conclude his stomach aches were provoked by his diet, and soon began a more healthful approach to his meals. Following his graduation from Brown, Dale returned to Williston and worked part-time at KUMV-TV. In addition to sweeping floors, he also filled in for news anchors and wore many hats as a utilitarian. He wrote news stories, produced commercials, and sold advertising. It was often said that Dale could "sell manure to a pig farmer."

Dale married Sandra Benth at the age of 22 and they moved to Plentywood, MT for a radio job for 3 years before heading to Rugby, ND for a job managing KGCA. He was quickly named General Manager and Program Director as he and Sandra built a home. They soon started a family and had a son, Michael and a daughter, Melissa and a dog, Pedro. Always a dog in Dale's life. Dale is no doubt hanging with his Pedro. Nikki, Tara, Heidi, Max and Calico cats, and his Jakie Boy. Dale loved animals and tenderly cared and loved each one. He never met a dog he didn’t like or that didn’t love him back.

Dale and Sandra were very civically minded and were active in their communities by way of Jaycees, City Council and their local Human Resource Center participating as mentors and teen counselors; they were EMTs, taught Sunday School, and sat on Church Council at First Lutheran Church in Rugby. Dale was also elected the youngest President of the ND Broadcasters Association. An esteemed and distinguished position he took seriously and with pride. Dale was also very active as a Shriner and a Mason. He took deep pride in his membership and all the care his brotherhood took in community good.

Dales many employees can speak to his generous spirit and kind heart. Many times they witnessed him go out of his way to ensure an individual had enough food, gas in his or her car, and often acted as surrogate father to his staff. The Moldenhauer’s would often have a hot meal, a suit out of Dales closet, and even an extra present or two under the Christmas tree for an orphaned employee. He was often heard telling his daughter, "a stranger is just a friend we haven't met yet". Making folks feel important was Dales specialty. He always had a joke (often dirty) or a dry Dale-ism to share, remembered important facts and details about everyone. He never let someone walk away without a handshake, a hug, or a kiss on the cheek. Everyone...was a "someone" to Dale.

1983 saw the Moldenhauer’s moving back to Williston to be close to their parents and Dale shifted gears in his career. He sold steel and vinyl siding throughout the state, had a rain gutter and window business and relished the opportunity to meet new people with home remodeling needs. He fostered yet more friendships and wonderful memories. If you ever had Dale to your home to replace or install exterior coverings, he has a file on you and remembered you fondly.

Dale loved his Gloria Dei Lutheran family and served his church in many capacities on Church Council, usher, remodeling, and took each responsibility earnestly and with pride. Dale looked forward to Sunday services, because he adored the pre-fellowship in the church foyer. He couldn't wait to sip coffee and share laughs with his friends. Mostly, he liked to flirt with all his "girlfriends". (They know who they are). Dale was the goofball who requested "seconds" on Communion. He once told the Pastor the "bread broken for you" could use a little seasoning. He'd ask for I.D at the door to newcomers, and would whisper "this is the part where ya gotta pay" when he passed the collection plate.

Dale was extremely affectionate, as his Middle Eastern Heritage invited. Always a hug that counted, a kiss on the cheek, sometimes both, a cup of coffee was never passed up, and people all over ND and eastern MT knew who Dale Moldenhauer was. The kind of man he was. Endearing, good natured, quirky, smart, and definitely a smart a**. When confronted with "how are you, Dale?" He'd retort: " it's a good thing I'm not a twin, cuz I don't think you could handle all this greatness. I'm a pretty big deal".

People remember Dale Moldenhauer from his days and life in Rugby in radio and again in the late 80s managing and selling advertising for KDSR. Whatever path you may have crossed with Dale, it most often resulted in a "that's a good guy" feeling.

Dale loved without limits, shared unconditionally, and held his loved ones with both arms. He's most likely having a chat with his favorite star John Wayne, and talking country music to Patsy Cline. And no doubt, having a great reunion with those who have gone before him.

He's missed deeply by his wife, kids, and his little guys, Bentley and Barkley (Shih Tzus) and kitties, Milly and Muffie.

Dale is survived by wife, Sandra "Sandy" (Benth); son, Michael Moldenhauer (Williston) and daughter, Melissa Liebenthal (Boise, Idaho).

He is preceded in death by his father, Alfred; mother, Emma; several aunts, uncles and cousins.