Dale W. Berquist

Dale was born in Marquette on May 14, 1938 to Harold W. and Florence (L’Huillier) Berquist. He was born and raised in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1956. In high school Dale met who would become the “love of his life”ù Elaine Jokinen. The two were married on June 25, 1960 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Dale began his working career right after high school, and pursued sales in 1959 at Lake Shore, Inc. He continued in sales until his retirement in the summer of 2000. Priorities for Dale were family, faith, and work. He was an exceptional provided and made sure his wife and children experienced his unwavering love and devotion. Dale was a devout Catholic, a trait his mother bestowed upon him. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul, and active member of St. Peter Cathedral as an usher and parishioner. Dale worked tirelessly his entire life, he always said, “The hardest part of anything is thinking about it.”ù He enjoyed bird and deer hunting in his spare time. Dale spent a lot of time outdoors cutting wood and took great pride grooming his homes and yards until they were flawless. He spent the last 20 years making his Forestville home a “paradise”ù for he and his wife. Dale thoroughly enjoyed time with his grandchildren, always showing interest in their education, sporting endeavors, and other events. Dale was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, and avid hockey enthusiast. The last several years he enjoyed keeping active with golf, cribbage, and building puzzles.

A loving husband, father, and grandpa, Dale is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Elaine; his children, Michael (Belinda) Berquist, Jilaine (Steve) Berquist-Ayotte, and Kerri (Mark) Heikkila; grandchildren, Heidi (Larry) Sharp, Brianna Berquist, Michael Berquist II, Lindsey (fiance, Devin Rettke) Heikkila, and Brett Heikkila; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Nancy Robles and Bonnie Becker; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dale is preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Stenglein.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Amy Nelson for her end of life care of Dale.

Private family services will be held with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber, of St. Peter Cathedral, officiating. Interment will be made in Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com