Dale Sigstad

Dale Harold Sigstad, age 83, passed away peacefully on September 24 after a stubborn fight with Alzheimer's that made him forget he had plans to live to 120.

Dale was born September 14, 1941 in St. Paul to Harold and Pearl Sigstad. He graduated from Harding High School in 1959 and enlisted in the US Air Force, getting honorably discharged as an Airman Second Class in 1965. He married Mariann Cartie on October 10, 1973, and they have two children, Janine (b. 1976) and Heather (b. 1990). He also has 2 children, George (b. 1963) and Deborah (b. 1963), from a previous marriage.

Dale loved to keep busy and seldom slowed down, much to his children's displeasure whenever he took them on hiking trips. Over his life he acquired many, many hobbies, including swimming, karate, scuba diving, turkey hunting, camping, repairing classic cars (conveniently funded by a job at NAPA Auto Parts), model airplanes and cars, leatherworking, and supporting his children's inherited passion for too many activities. The only time he'd sit still would be on hunting trips, because it's a requirement to successfully get a turkey, or if he happened to fall asleep in front of the tv. He will be remembered for his love for classic Westerns, his identity as "The Cowboy," his appreciation for nature, his determination and self-reliance, and the way he bonded with all the pets he never originally wanted.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Pearl; dogs, Duchess, Buttons, and Tera; cat, Moose; an abundance of fish and other aquatic life; and more parakeets than any reasonable person should raise at a given time.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Mariann; daughters, Deborah (Roberto), Janine, and Heather; son, George (Lisa); sister, Bonnie; brothers, Terry (JoAnne) and Brian (Susan); grandchildren, Alexander, Sean, Katie, and Kimberly; dog, Peek; and cat, Lucy.

A celebration of Dale's life will be held on October 10, 5-7pm at Bradshaw Funeral Home (4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, MN). He will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on October 15 in a private ceremony for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association and honor Dale's memory by taking a long walk in nature or falling asleep in front of the tv, ideally while watching a classic western with a pet on your lap.