Dale Clarence VanderMeer passed away March 17, 2018 at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, CO after a short illness. He was born February 26, 1935 to Frances and Barney VanderMeer in their home in a Dutch community outside of Vona, Colorado. He was the oldest of 3 children. Shortly after, the family moved to California where his father ran a dairy farm. The family moved back to Colorado 10 years later and homesteaded 17 miles south of Akron. He lived there until he graduated from Akron High School in 1952. Dale attended Colorado A&M or what is now known as Colorado State University. He majored in music and played the violin in the college orchestra. On September 25, 1954 Dale married the love of his life, Joyce Gertson, in Raton, New Mexico.  One daughter, Susan, was born to this union. Dale was very active in the community. He was a member of the Lions and Elks Club. He was also an EMT for Washington County Ambulance Service. He was also a member of the Akron Fire Dept and retired after 20 years.  He worked as a Weather Observer for the FAA at Hayes Aviation until his retirement. He enjoyed going to coffee with the "coffee guys" every afternoon. That was the highlight of his day. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids and attending their school events. Many people enjoyed listening to him play his accordion and organ/piano.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Susan Brotton of Akron, 2 granddaughters, Angela (Mark) Lorimer of Wray, and Jamie Thorn and fiancé Matt Luna of Otis.  Also 5 great-grandkids, Jaydan, Kiley, Tyler, Erick, and Sheyann. His 2 sisters Mary Poos of Aurora, and Glenda VanderMeer of Aurora, CO. Sister-in-law, Jo Anne Ellsaesser of Bloomfield, NM and numerous nieces and nephew.  And last, but not least, his special Pug, Champ.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Joyce,   parents Barney and Frances VanderMeer, and son-in-law Jim Brotton.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Bowin Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  A funeral service will be held Friday, March 23 at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Akron Volunteer Fire Department.