Dale Donald Cleland, 87, of Beresford, SD died June 6, 2014 in hospice care at Bethesda of Beresford. He was born January 8, 1927 in his parents' home in Oacoma, SD. Dale started school in 1932, attending in the old Oacoma schoolhouse. Dale's father died unexpectedly in 1939. This became a financial hardship for the family; therefore, one less mouth to feed, Dale went to Aberdeen, SD to live with his sister, Olie, and her husband. There he attended Roosevelt Jr. High School. In 1941 he returned to Oacoma where he attended Chamberlain High School and graduated in 1944. His only t4ransportation to school was on foot, but education was important to Dale. Shortly after, Dale joined the military. Though his service was a short term, he had extreme pride for his country. He was a member of the American Legion. Upon returning to Chamberlain he went to work for Harry Wait in the locker plant. Here he met Marian Larsen. They were married January 1, 1948 and had five children. Dale went to work for the State Highway Department. A self-taught engineer, he was transferred to Beresford, SD in 1959 where he was instrumental in planning and building the Interstate bridges. May 15, 1974, Dale and Valonta Lawrenson were united in marriage. Dale continued working for the State Highway Department as well as working a small farm business. He retired from highway work in 1987. He loved his church, politics, hunting, dancing, playing cards, reading, carpentry (it seemed like he could fix anything), and watching sports, especially the Vikings. Dale and Valonta enjoyed their winters at Weslaco, Texas; he will be missed by his many friends in Rio Valley Estates. These memories will be treasured. Dale is survived by his wife, Valonta of 40 years; his five children, Don (Brenda) Cleland of Fletcher, OK, Corene (Alan) Chapman of Aberdeen, SD, Karen (Don) Thompson of Great Falls, MT, Nancy (Don) DeBoer of Chamberlain, SD and Calvin (Debi) Cleland of Elgin, OK; three step-children, Leta Kellen of Sioux Falls, SD, Lola Pollard of Webster, SD and Chris Lawrenson of Beresford; 15 grandchildren and a sister, Rosella Kenobbie of Lennox, SD. His parents, Kathryn (Weber) and Walter Cleland; four brothers, Clifford Anetta), Floyd, Everette (Irene) and Francis (Betty); three sisters, Olive (Jack), Hazel (Buck), and Florence; and one great-grandson, Espyn DeBoer preceded him in death. Funeral services will be 2PM Monday, June 9, 2014 at Beresford Zion United Methodist Church. Visitation is 6-8PM Sunday at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with a prayer service at 7PM.