Mr. Dale Kinsey Petersen, 89, of Rochester passed away at 12:38 AM on November 15, 2012 in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born in Chicago on September 28, 1923 to Sigurd Richard and Hazel Kinsey Petersen. Spending his childhood in Arkansas, Dale, the son of a minister, was the oldest of 3 children. He graduated in 1941 from Western Grove High School in Western Grove, Arkansas. Later, he attended John Brown University where he studied Aeronautical engineering. Dale met his future wife, Clovis Mikesell, while he was stationed with the U.S. Force in Bozeman, Montana. Clovis was introduced to Dale while she was visiting her brother Wayne. It was nearly love at first sight as Dale and Clovis were married six moths later, on May 20, 1945. After WWII they returned to Indiana where he worked in quality control at Bendix, Indiana Metal, and Talma Fastener in the tool room. Clovis and Dale were married for over a half century. He took wonderful care of her as in the later years she suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. On September 27, 1997, Dale married Eileen Waltz Halterman in Winamac, in an outdoor ceremony at the home of his daughter Marlene. Eileen and Dale enjoyed traveling. Their favorite destinations were Niagara Falls, North Carolina and and California. Eileen taught Dale to dance and play euchre. During their 15 years of marriage, Dale never once scolded Eileen or raised his voice. Dale enjoyed friendships and being around people and was known for his corny jokes, quick wit and quiet demeanor. A man of true compassion for others, he delivered meals for Woodlawn Hospital, and pharmaceuticals for the Webb Family Pharmacy. Dale was a member of the Talma Methodist Church, and also attended the Trinity United Methodist Church of Rochester. He and Eileen were members of the Win- A-Couple Sunday School class. He loved the Lord and left a strong Christian legacy for his family by the way he lived his life. He was loved by his grandchildren who surrounded his bed during his last hours. Dale was also a member of the Manitou VFW #1343, LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post #36 and the Moose Family Lodge #1107. Dale will be lovingly remembered by his wife Eileen; two daughters: Marlene Nellans and husband Gary of Winamac, and Geraldine Petersen of Milwaukee, WI; four sons: Marvin Petersen and wife Mary of Wickenburg, AZ, Steven Petersen of Mishawaka, Ted Halterman and wife Alma of Rochester, and Lynn Halterman and wife Mary Kay of Charlotte, NC; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Vreeland of WI; and a brother David Petersen of CA. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife of 52 years, Clovis on January 2, 1997. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.