Dale Reay Slauson, 83, passed away at home on March 14, 2018 in Libby, Mont. of natural causes. Dale was born Jan. 21, 1935 in Great Falls to Don and Dorothy Slauson. The Slauson family moved from Geyser to Libby in 1936.
Dale attended Libby Schools. He worked for Blackwell Construction. Dale dug many of the basements in the older buildings in Libby including St. John’s Lutheran School. He enlisted in the Army in 1957 and served in France as a mechanic. Dale received expert rifle and good conduct medals. He was honorably discharged in 1959, returned to Libby, and remained in the active reserves until 1963. Upon returning to Libby, Dale went to work for J. Neils Lumber Co. as a planer operator and filer. He continued his employment with St. Regis and Champion International until retiring in 1993.
On Jan. 31, 1962, he married Marie Williamson Ward. Together they raised Ann and Steve, and they recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. Dale enjoyed many hobbies such as horseback riding, outdoor activities, antiques, and hit and miss motors. He was an excellent horseman. Dale’s pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Donna Barnes.
Dale is survived by his wife, Marie; his children, Ann Ward Grotjohn (Jeff), Steve Ward (Sydney); his grandchildren, Nick Grotjohn (Erin), Sara Holzhauser (Logan), Brandon Laffoon (Malarie), Paige Tolle (Jimmy); and great-grandchildren Brady, Brody and Braxly Laffoon, Maverick and Brooks Grotjohn, and James and Harper Tolle; sister in law, Sharon Williamson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Tuesday, March 20 at Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Libby Volunteer Ambulance or Libby VFW Post 1548 in memory of Dale R. Slauson.
Dale Slauson, 83 of Libby
