Obituary of Dale Vernon Abbott

Dale Vernon Abbott, 86, Coleraine, formerly of Cloquet and Esko, died Thursday, October 28, 2021, in Eveleth. Dale was born June 12, 1935, in Crookston, MN to David and Gladys (Lucken) Abbott.

He graduated from Mentor High School in 1953 and served in the Army from 1954-1956. After his discharge, he received his B.S. Degree in 1965 and his Master’s Degree in 1975, both from Bemidji State University. Dale and Shirley Laine of Taconite were married on December 21, 1967. Dale taught social studies at Proctor, Mentor, and Cloquet. After 30 years of teaching in Cloquet, he “graduated” into retirement in 1997.

After retirement, he worked at Advantage Emblem and Screenprinting, and following Shirley’s retirement in 2008, they moved to Coleraine. Dale had been an active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Esko. He served many years as a Sunday School teacher and on church boards. After moving to Coleraine, he spent endless hours studying the Bible. His biggest regret in life was not going into the ministry. Dale and Shirley spent many summers on Prairie Lake creating memories with their grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pa”.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley; son, John (Laura) Abbott of Colorado Springs, CO and daughters, Tricia (Nathan) Bentley of Cloquet and Krista Roden of Duluth; grandsons, Austin Bentley of Cloquet, Dustin (Eimile) Abbott of Denver, Jaxen and Jaden Roden and Alex Bentley (Kaylee Anderson) of Duluth; granddaughters, Aryanah (Zack Postal) and Abigail (Jake Suliin) Bentley, and Jordyn (River) Alander all of Cloquet; two great grandchildren, Zion Postal and Navy Alander; his brothers, David (Marilyn) Abbott of Gig Harbor, WA, and Jerry Abbott of Austin, TX, and his sister, Sharon (Will) Dack of St. Louis Park, MN; his best friend, Dick Nelson; and his furry companion, Finley.

Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021, and a Celebration of Dale’s Life will follow at 1 p.m. in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Esko. Facemasks are required. Burial will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth.