Dale Petterson, age 78, of Holland, MI, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on July 16. Dale was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather as well as a gifted psychologist, therapist, and healer. He was born in Northville, MI and raised in the Yuma/Mesick area of Michigan where he graduated from high school and went into the Navy with his twin brother, Darryl. Upon returning from his Naval service, Dale graduated from Michigan State University with his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, where he met his wife, Marie. They married on July 4, 1968. They both taught in California before returning to MSU for Dale to earn his Specialist degree in Psychology. He also earned a degree in Naturopathy and went on to have a stellar career as a therapist using alternative therapies that included hypnosis, Rational Emotive Therapy, EFT, Bradley Nelson's Emotion Code and Body Code and others in Flint, MI (former partner at Auburn Counseling), Denver, CO and virtually, around the world. He also practiced as a school psychologist for the Flint Community Schools and many other school districts in Michigan and Colorado. Dale is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marie; Children, Chad and Kirsten Petterson of Brentwood, TN, Ryan and Sally Petterson of Denver,CO, Darren and Tori Petterson of Grand Haven, MI, and Andrew and Joanne Petterson of Chicago, IL; Grandchildren, Hailey, Erika, Brocks, Brady, Jake, Matthew, Nathan, Annabelle and her expected sibling; Sister, Phyllis Southwick of Ormond Beach, FL, twin brother, Darryl of Cadillac, MI. Dale treasured his family and his happiest times were when he could be with them…cheering on his sons and grandchildren at all of their many sports, musical performances, and skill building activities. He was especially proud to be the father of sons who played football at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan and being the father of a Collegiate National Football Champion (University of Michigan, 1997). Dale and Marie traveled the world extensively, visiting every continent and every state. They loved to cruise, polka dance, read, ride bikes, camp and hike. They appeared as polka dancers in the 2018 Warner Brothers movie, “The Mule” with Clint Eastwood. Additionally, you can see them dancing at many festivals and Pulaski Day events on YouTube. Dale was also an avid skier and skilled ping pong player. He was a member of the Striders Walking Group at the Evergreen Center and many professional organizations. A visitation to celebrate Dale's life will be on Sunday, July 21, from 4-7 p.m. at the Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16
th
St. Holland, MI. A funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of the Lake, 480 152
nd
Ave. Holland, at 11 a.m. on July 22 followed by a Naval Color Guard ceremony and luncheon. Burial will be in Yuma Memorial Park. To leave a condolence and more information, please visit
www.langelandsterenberg.com
.
