It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Dad, Dale Edward Woller, on Feb. 3, 2026, in Clovis, California. Dad was born on July 18, 1935, on the family dairy farm in Montague, Michigan (Claybanks Township), to Edward & Gertrude (Kuipers) Woller - a place that shaped his strong work ethic and lifelong love of animals.
Dad grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse and later graduated from Montague High School, where he proudly lettered in football his junior and senior year. At 19, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served our country honorably until 1959. Afterward, he began his 31-year career with Pacific Bell Telephone Co. He was a supervisor beginning in 1966 and was instrumental in designing phone systems for LAX airport, the Tulare Police Department, the Porterville Development Center and the World Ag Expo, just to name a few. He retired in 1990, but "retired" never really suited him.
Over the years, Dad lived in many places - Los Angeles; Harbor City, California; Springville, California; Visalia, California; Laclede, Idaho; Lake Havasu, Arizona; and finally Sanger, California. No matter where he lived, he always made it a home. In his final months, he was happy living on his daughter's ranch surrounded by his animals - horses JD & Studley, dog Dutchess, his beloved cat Buddy and whatever other creatures wandered through. Animals brought him endless joy. In 1980, Dad married the love of his life, Sondra (Camp). She was the best partner he could have ever imagined. Together they shared 36 wonderful years filled with love, laughter and travel. They explored the country by car, train, plane and even cruise ships. Mom was his co-pilot in everything - his trusted guide long before GPS existed. Losing her was the hardest chapter of his life, but their bond never faded.
Dad had a deep desire to serve and help others. He volunteered most of his life, beginning in the 1960s, and wore many hats - Cub Scouts leader, Little League Manager and Umpire, Head of Security for The World Ag Expo, Board of Directors, AARP Defensive Driving Instructor, Advocate for the Elderly, Food Bank Board Member, Rangemaster, Judge Appointed Conservator, a Hospital Volunteer and more. He served 18 years as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Tulare and was named Officer of the Year in 1988, a great honor since no Reserve had ever received that before. After retiring from Pacific Bell on a Friday in 1990, the following Monday Dad started working full time with the Tulare Police Department as their Supervisor of Communications and Records until 1997.
Dad and Mom then moved to their beautiful land in northern Idaho. Dad had his horse Rocky, dogs, cats, deer, an occasional bear or moose and LOTS of turkeys to take care of. That wasn't enough to keep him busy, so he worked part-time at the Sandpoint, Idaho Payless Shoe Store and later Walmart! Dad was a very fair man with strong values and steady advice. He believed in doing things the right way - his way - and he wasn't shy about saying so. He worked hard, gave generously and loved deeply. If you needed help, he was there. If you needed guidance, he had it. If an animal needed care, it had his heart.
We miss him more than words can express, but we take comfort knowing he is at peace, reunited with Mom and with his Savior. We know we will see him again.
Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sondra; his parents; his brother Lloyd "Wally" Woller; his sister-in-law Joan Woller; and brothers-in-law Ron Davey and Don Bromley. He leaves behind his sister Arlene Davey Bromley; his children Karen Fleming, Timothy Woller (Donna), Laura Woller-Peoples and Samantha Wyant (Steve); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Havasu or Best Friends Animal Society in Knab, Utah - causes close to his heart. Graveside services will be held June 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Montague, Michigan.
