Obituary: Dale Guenthardt, 71, Ludington.

Dale Guenthardt

Obituary: Dale Guenthardt, 71, Ludington.

Dale Ray Guenthardt, “Guenie”, 71, of Ludington, passed away Monday, February 26, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 23, 1946 in Ludington to Howard and Esther (Kowalski) Guenthardt Sr.

Guenie graduated from Ludington High School in 1964. After high school, Guenie enlisted in the US National Guard. He served his country for four years, from 1967 to 1971. Guenie retired from Harsco Rail after 25 years with the company.

Guenie married Lynn Rombouts on January 3, 1981 in Ludington.

Guenie was a member of the VFW, Fin and Feather, the NRA, St. Simon Catholic Church, and the former “Deer Brothers Association”.

Guenie had many passions and talents. He was a “Jack of all trades and a master of them all”. He was known to work hard and play hard. If it was an outdoors activity, Guenie probably loved it, everything from hunting and fishing to camping and boating. He loved to work with his hands and would often be found in his garage tinkering on anything with an engine, but there were few things he loved more than his Harley Davidson. It may have been a close second to the love he had for his family and friends.  A perfect evening for Guenie would have consisted of good friends and family, a bonfire, and a cold beer in his perfectly manicured backyard. He was the center of all parties and the family comedian.

Guenie will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Lynn, his children, Shane Guenthardt of Ludington, Shauna (Sam) Carr of Ludington, Jeremy (Faith) Guenthardt of Clinton Township, Sheena Rudy of Ludington, Jamie (Eric) Hall of Mt. Pleasant, and James (Sally) Rudy of Mt. Pleasant; 11 grandchildren, Laila, Sammy, Ashley, Christian (Amanda Sipe), Kate, Caden, Jonas, Charlotte, Brady, Logan, and Connor; his siblings, Howard Guenthardt Jr., Judy Polcin, Richard (Maryann) Guenthardt, and Carol (Mike) Bacon; his sisters-in-law, Susan Pearcy and Cathy Rombouts, and brother-in-law, Casey (Berna Munzo) Rombouts; his many nieces, nephews, and good friends. Last but not least his beloved dogs, Bailey and Ziggy.

Besides his parents, Guenie was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joe Polcin.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from 1 to 3 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil Service to be held at 7:30 pm at the Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington. A Mass from the Order of Christian Burials will be celebrated, Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 11 am at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. will be presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Guenie’s name may be directed to The Believe Foundation. This is a cancer research foundation that is near and dear to the family. They helped Guenie and his family several times throughout his three year battle with cancer. Also, the Disabled American Veterans, of which Guenie regularly supported.

Please share a memory of Guenie at www.oakgrovefh.com . Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington.