Dale Ulric Waysman, Jr.

Dale Ulric Waysman, Jr, 81, services will be on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 5-7pm with family present at Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home in Parker.  Burial with full military rites will be at 1:00pm Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Riverview Cemetery in Chamberlain, SD.

On December 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, Dale Ulric Waysman, Jr. passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and countless cherished memories. Dale wore many oversized hats with pride throughout his life. He was a devoted son, a caring brother, an accomplished athlete, a dedicated soldier, an inspiring educator, a motivating coach, a respected school administrator, a passionate hunter and fisherman, a lifelong Yankees fan, a skilled gardener, a lover of music, a voracious reader, a mischievous instigator of joyous annoyance, and a relentless fighter of city hall.

Among all these roles, the hats Dale wore with the most pride were those of a loving husband, a devoted dad, and a doting grandpa. His family was his greatest joy, and he poured his heart into every moment spent with them. Dale's unwavering love and support shaped the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

As the story goes, on December 2, 1943, Dale Ulric Waysman Jr. was welcomed into this world by his mother, Oma Waysman (Campbell) and his two sisters Hope and Linda. The first son of the family, he was given his father’s name who was actively serving in the European Theatre of World War II. Dale would soon get to go from little brother to big brother with the birth of his sister Janice and eventually his brother Wayne. Dale took the role of “big” brother seriously, always looking out for his siblings.

Dale would speak fondly of his humble early years in Oacoma, SD and the two room house, with a dirt floor, wood burning stove, and outhouse. He would frequently drive his family by the spot of land this house once resided with a twinkle in his eye that exuded joy of simpler times.

Dale was full of youthful enthusiasm for the outdoors and sports. He was an avid hunter and would often take “out of town hunters” around Chamberlain for the cost of a box of shells and the birds he shot. Dale was also active in local athletics, playing American Legion baseball and proudly representing the Chamberlain Cubs in football, basketball, and track. For his efforts in athletics, Dale would be inducted into Chamberlain High school’s Hall of Fame on August 11, 2017.

In 1962 Dale graduated high school and went on to attend college at the University of Wyoming where he received a scholarship to play football. Eventually, Dale would transfer his studies to Northern State University where he could focus on completing his degree in Education.

Dale enlisted in the Army in 1969. Shortly thereafter, he was deployed to Vietnam as a member of the “Old Reliables,” the US Army’s 9th Infantry Division. While deployed Dale would grow his signature mustache and experience a lifetime’s worth of events during his service. Dale would also be awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals along with other merits for his actions during his time overseas.

After his deployment, Dale would return home to Chamberlain, SD and would meet his future bride of 53 years, Shannon “Dee” Miller. After a whirlwind courtship, they knew they were meant to be together and exchanged their vows on August 7, 1971 – this would be the only time that he would go without his lip warmer for the next 53 years.

Over the course of the next several years, Dale and Dee would become proud parents of their three boys, Brodie Shea, Kerry Sean, and Caley Dale. During this time, Dale would also enter the world of education and coaching. He would go on to receive his Specialist Degree in Education and became an administrator of a host of school districts. Dale loved his time as an educator, coach and administrator of schools.

After Dale retired from education, he spent much of his time going to auctions, tending to his massive garden with his famous tomatoes, helping his boys when jobs were too big to do on their own, and doing his best to get on Dee’s last nerve. During this period of his life, Dale would also get to become a proud father-in-law to McKenna, Mandy, and Haley as well as get to meet all six of his grandchildren.

During his twilight years, Dale would spend much of his time watching his beloved Yankees (either on TV or in person when they were playing within driving distance), reading Louis L’Amour novels, rooting on his grandkids in their numerous activities, gardening, attending concerts, annoying city officials, and napping in his favorite recliner. He would frequently look for meat sales at Sunshine, just in case his boys needed a pork loin, he would drive 50 miles for a cup of coffee, make a 30 second call just to check-in, and enjoy a “Blue Ribbon” with his Cheetos.

Dale will be leaving behind a lasting legacy of love and devotion for his family and those that were lucky enough to get to know him. He would bend over backwards for those he held dear and would never hesitate to lend a hand to family and strangers alike. He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Oma and his sisters Hope and Janice. He leaves behind his wife Shannon of Parker, his sons Brodie (and McKenna Waysman) of Sioux Falls, Kerry (and Mandy Waysman) of Sioux Falls, Caley (and Haley Molzen) of Vermillion, his sister Linda (and Bill Repulski) of Boise, his brother Wayne of Chamberlain, SD, and his six grandchildren Norah Isolde, Maeve Josephine, Thea Marjorie, Atlas Reed (Caley and Haley) Sophie Kendall and Nina Abigail (Kerry and Mandy), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dale will be truly missed.