Dale Michael Romain of Caro, age 82, passed away February 23, 2023 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Dale was born in Tuscola County on December 19, 1940 to the late Melvin and Lucille (Rabideau) Romain. At eighteen, Dale met the love of his life Diane June Ranke and the two were married on April 30, 1960 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. Dale and Diane remained inseparable throughout nearly 60 years of marriage. A deeply spiritual, admirable and honest man, Dale was a devoted husband, father and son. Dale enjoyed visits with family and traveling to see the country, camping in various state and national parks, completing puzzles, and was a sports enthusiast. In his younger years, Dale bowled on a bowling league, played fast pitch softball and could be found either coaching his children’s sports teams or watching as an avid fan. He picked up golf as well and continued golfing whenever the weather permitted. Dale was also a Knights of Columbus member for most of his adult years and he enjoyed working bingo night at the K of C Hall. Dale loved listening to music, especially 50s music, and he spent every Sunday playing Polka music after church. Dale could also be heard whistling a familiar tune most days. Dale enjoyed boating and fishing with his children and grandchildren, and most of all had a passion for old cars. Dale’s children and grandchildren enjoyed his quirky sayings and sense of humor. Dale took great pride in keeping a manicured lawn and a spectacular garden. Dale’s career started as a young man working for Botsford’s Garage, then on to working at Massolls and he spent most of his years at Midwest Rotary where he worked his way from press operator, to foreman, and finally to plant manager. Dale and Diane purchased a pallet/saw mill in West Branch just before he retired, where he took pride in fulfilling a dream of business ownership. Perhaps most important in Dale’s life, aside from his complete love for Diane, was his dedication to his faith and his church. Dale attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro his entire life and even through his illness, he watched mass and the rosary daily on EWTN.

Left to cherish Dale’s memory are his five children and their spouses, Patricia and James Denney of Grand Ledge, Tim and LuEllen Romain of Caro, Christina and William Ammerman of Cary, North Carolina, Tammy Romain of Nehalem, Oregon, Traci and Craig Tollenaar of Fox Point, Wisconsin; fourteen grandchildren, Jason Marr, Alex Marr, Eric Romain, Kristina (Dirk) Hartman, Kate (Brian) Ammerman-Rock, Cole Ammerman, Natalie Ammerman, Sam (Heidi Wenzlick) Romain, Fiona Romain, Aubrey Romain, Emma Romain, Hadley Romain, Isobel Tollenaar, Stella Tollenaar; five great-grandchildren, Aurelia and Juno Romain, Hunter, Logan and Nathan Hartman; brother, Melvin Romain Jr, brothers and sisters-in-law, Pete (Joann) McKillop, Josie (Ramon Romain) Payne, Nancy (Don) Romain, Henry and April Ranke, Jackie and Bob Bishop, Jill Mitchell; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding Dale in death was his loving wife of 60 years, Diane June Romain; brothers, Ramon Romain and Don Romain; sisters, Geraldine Weiss, Joann McKillop and Delores Romain; and step father, Edward Romain.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Christopher Coman officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. The visitation on Sunday will conclude at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Friends of Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Pallbearers for Dale will be Jason Marr, Eric Romain, Alex Marr, Cole Ammerman, Dirk Hartman, and Brian Rock. The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro.  Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com.