November 23, 1958 ~ July 18, 2023
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Dad, Dale Anthony Altstadt, surrounded by the love of his family at home in the early hours of Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Amanda (Ryan), Allison (Sam), Alanah (Michael); and his beautiful granddaughter Haylee. His siblings, Shelley (Perry) Stewner, Dayna MacDearmid, and Stephen (Sheila). His Sisters-in-law, Christine (Al) Karlenzig and Sandra Hewitt; and brothers-in-law, Tim, Allan, and George Hewitt; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
He was pre-deceased by his wife of 41 years, Deborah Wendy (nee Hewitt) on April 26, 2021; his parents W. Denis Altstadt and Donna R. Duncan (nee Dales); a stillborn brother; his parents-in-law, John (Jack) and Rita Hewitt; and his brother-in-law Steve Hewitt.
Dale was born on November 23, 1958, at the Women’s Pavilion in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1976, he met his soulmate Debbie at A&W, where she worked as a carhop. They married in 1979 and embarked on their adventure together—living in Jenpeg, Brandon, and Gillam before finally settling in Lac Du Bonnet. During this time they grew their family, raising three beautiful daughters that they were incredibly proud of.
He attended John Taylor Collegiate, studied Diesel Mechanics at Red River Community College and graduated from Keewatin Community College as a Journeyman Millwright. He was Senior Mechanical/Operating Technician at Jenpeg Generating Station when he retired from Manitoba Hydro after 40 years of service.
At a young age, he built go-karts with his dad and then by himself—his designs became more elaborate and detailed with each project. As a child, he would build and paint model cars and balsa wood airplanes. This is where his love of speed and all things on wheels began. He had the ability to figure out how to modify or improve the performance of almost anything, whether it was for his own project or for a friend.
He had a passion for quarter-mile drag racing since the time he could borrow his parents’ stock 1964 Plymouth Fury and sneak it to Bison Dragways where he made his racing debut. The car was passed down to him and he worked on and made numerous changes (except for the colour) to make it the drag car of his dreams. Over his lifetime, many lined up against him at the drag strip and he was always happy to show them his tail lights.
Dad, thank you for being the best father us girls could have asked for. Your love for pranks and rock and roll provided our home with much joy and happiness. We will forever cherish every memory we have. We are very grateful we are blessed to be your daughters.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to his best friend Craig who wore many hats, including chauffeur, personal shopper, nurse, and as Dale called him “the best pit slut a guy could ask for.” He is eternally grateful for your friendship as are we.
Thank you to his very good friends, Rob, Dale, Fred, and many others, who did the heavy work to allow him to enter his race car in World of Wheels. Thank you all for making sure he was able to enjoy cutting a few more lights at the race track.
Thank you to all of his neighbours and family friends that brought him food, checked on him and kept him company when we couldn’t.
Thank you to the doctors who helped to give us more time with him than expected.
There will be a celebration of life for Dale and Debbie September 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm., where they will be interred together at St. Paul Lutheran Church, River Hills, Manitoba. Cremation has taken place.
We know you are resting easy now Dad. We know you are preparing to race with the angels. We will carry you and Mom in our hearts forever.
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Reg Paupanekis
Sincere condolences to the family. Dale, it was indeed a pleasure knowing you and getting to work with you all those Jenpeg days. RIP brother. Till we meet again.
Jacqi Hicks
My Condolences to Family & Friends.
Cas Churko
It was a honor and privilege to work and break bread with Dale at Jenpeg. sorry for your loss
Dennis Bonkowski
I’d like to say, I had a great time with Dale and Debbi out in Gilliam, I was able to hold Amanda when she was a baby. I enjoyed being in their company, they were great hosts. I was able to see them together two years ago before Debbi Past. Sad to see a great couple leave too soon.
Richard Frost
Working with Dale at Jenpeg was a true experience which I will always be a lasting memory for me. I was totally amazed at just how meticulous and methodical his approach was to any job of procedure that had to be written up. First thing before turning any wrenches, tools. The tunes had to be turned on and as he said if the music doesn’t hurt your ears it is not loud enough. Even when he was on the lathe or milling machine, when he was finished it just wasn’t a finished piece, it was art .I was completely blown away with his mini bike that he made, and those Miniature Brass Bulb Turbines that he made. Those were truly works of art. It was an honor and a privilege to work and have know Dale……… RIP and tear up that track in heaven with Debbie God Speed
Jonathan Nicholas
He was a great guy always willing to lend a hand especially mechanical wise met him in gillam bought set of rims n tires for my car from him
Wally and MaryLou Breer
Lou and I offer our sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have our deepest sympathy I have many cherished memories of our time working together at Jenpeg G.S. Dale was a meticulous technician who had my respect for his approach to his work and to his Play time racing the “‘64” I’m sure he got a Kick out needling me for my tardiness in building my “63”. We wish you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time.
Brian Cinq-Mars
Dale, it was a pleasure working and travelling with you all those years going to Jenpeg. You definitely made a better Millwright out of me and made me a stronger individual. Your openness to speak your mind changed me on how important it is to share your views. Right or wrong you shared yours and I always respected you for that. RIP my friend. We will ride together again Someday.
To the Three beautiful daughters, Your dad bragged about all three of you and your successes. Through that tough exterior he had a very soft heart especially for his daughters. Take solace in the fact that he is in a better place with no pain. Take care Ladies.