Roger Linder's Web Log

Eulogy

This past week I have been thinking and remembering fondly my friendship with Dale and his family. Sixty-seven years ago, two young men, both new residents of a small town called Rio Linda, met by chance at a little cafe in downtown Rio Linda and struck up a casual conversation. Those two young fellows were Dale Weisenburger, from North Dakota, and me, Rudy Linder, from Wisconsin. We immediately found that we had so much in common. We were only a month apart in age. Both of us were from small farming communities and had relocated in California, Dale with his mother, Martha, and younger siblings and my family was still in Wisconsin. That small chance encounter led to a life-long bond between us. I was living with my aunt and uncle until my parents and siblings could come to Rio Linda in a few years time so Dale became like a brother to me. He and his family became my family too. Dale and I were so close that later we considered our mothers as second mothers to each of us! As friends and best pals, we enjoyed going to movies in Sacramento, the wrestling matches at the Memorial Auditorium, entertainment at Will's Point, and other activities that were, on the most part, wholesome and entertaining!! Of course, we spent a lot of our leisure time checking out and dating the available young women so there were double dates on a number of occasions as well. I can't recall exactly who did the driving when we toured around the area, but it was probably a shared experience in cars that defied the prediction that they were unreliable mechanically or gas-wise but we enjoyed the challenge. Then one day, I went with Dale to an automobile dealership in Roseville and he purchased a beautiful red Ford convertible. That was such a happy day for Dale, and it meant I also had reliable transportation !! Dale and I had found employment in the local thriving egg industry, Dale at Donsing's Hatchery and me at Anderson's Hatchery. We both stayed in those jobs for a number of years until the closing of each ranch and we moved on to other occupations.

In the late 1940's and early 1950's, now in our 20's, Dale and I met the young women we would marry, Lillian and Muriel. Dale served as a groomsman at our wedding in September 1951 and Muriel and I were witnesses at the marriage of Dale and Lillian in a Methodist church in Nevada in August of the next year. Our own families grew as we each welcomed three children. When our first child was born, we chose Roger as his first name and his middle name became Dale. Family responsibilities kept us busy but we still had many occasions when we shared fun-filled activities. Camping together in mountain locations was always so enjoyable. Over the years, we have laughed together as we remembered the adventures our children had climbing and hiking around the campsite. The Weisenburgers were much better at camping than the Linders and they taught us how to enjoy the outdoors without the luxury of close-by amenities such as showers and necessary facilities!!! As long as there were three trees around which you could wrap a tarp you had proper accommodations. A close by lake or stream served as a cold, but refreshing bathtub. Dale and other family members had some treasured camping areas and they gladly welcomed us around their campfires where Dale would share great conversations, toasted marshmallows and lots of laughs. Dale enjoyed sharing his heritage by inviting us on several occasions to an Octoberfest. Polka music and delicious food were only a part of that – being with Dale and Lillian and other Weisenburger family members was the best part of the events.

Dale went to work for the Grant School District after the closure of Donsing's ranch. He was a loyal, hard-working and reliable employee and this job assured him of a steady salary and a retirement that he so deserved. Dale took great care of his home and yard on O Street. The flooding of their home was a difficult time for him, but with the support of Lillian and his family and friends, he faced the situation not once, but twice, and the restored home and the land around it were maintained beautifully. He rode the riding mower with great skill. He was in total control of those weeds and lawn clippings.

Now, of course, there are grandchildren and great-grandchildren among us. There was no limit to the pride Dale had in his family. When his son and daughters married and moved to other areas over the years, Dale and Lillian were able to travel to places they had never imagined would be possible for them when they first married. They went to Hawaii, took cruises and saw historical areas and sites on the east coast and southern states. Attending graduations, weddings, local sporting events and other special occasions were so important and enjoyed by Dale. Family gatherings on holidays with children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles and a host of friends were of great joy to him. Family trips camping and to Santa Cruz always remained high on his priority list. For many years, he and Lillian traveled to North Dakota to attend reunions and visit there. He cared deeply for his mother Martha and along with other family members made sure she was comfortable and included. His Aunt Rose was very special to him as well. There must be such joy in heaven as he has joined them now. His father, sister and brother are welcoming him as well.

I said that Dale was so proud of his family. And his family certainly can be proud of him for so many reasons. He was a country boy from North Dakota who grew up to be a strong, moral and caring person. He came to California, worked hard and loyally to support his family and instill in them the skills and maturity they needed to live their own lives successfully and full of love and care for each other. He and Lillian encouraged them to get good educations. He cared about his son and daughters and their spouses and children with love that was beyond measure. Dale led by example and lived as a trustworthy and loyal friend to all. I have felt it such a privilege to have known him for all these years and have remembrance of some of the happiest of times that any person could have because he was my very best friend.

I am positive that all of you here, as family members and friends of Dale, have your own thoughts and good memories of times you have spent with him over many years of friendships. Coffee at the local restaurant, swapping stories at a mountain campsite, cheering at the high school football games, and so many other times of joy are to be recalled often. Dale was a great friend to us and a loving husband, father and grandfather. And a true friend in every sense of the word.

Yes, I will miss him … but I will always love him. He will remain in my heart forever. Thank you, Lillian and Dale's family for allowing me to share these words with you. Lillian, your love and devotion for Dale for so many years has been an inspiration to many. You are loved so much by Muriel and I. Your numerous family members are all considered as our treasured friends. God Bless and comfort you all.