Dale W. Kirk, age 83, of Centerville, SD died Jan. 26, 2026 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Dale Wayne Kirk was born May 1, 1942, in Vermillion, S.D. to Dallas and Clara (Kotzea) Kirk.  Dale had several jobs over the years including farming and working at the Morrell meatpacking plant.  He was a father, friend and father figure to several nephews, nieces, and any young hotrodder needing advice.  Dale lived life fully and was full of life.  When Dale was young, he dreamed of being a singing cowboy like Roy Rogers.   A few years later his passion was for horses.  Dale was a natural artist and sketched several pictures of horses.  Queenie was his favorite horse.  Dale liked fast horses and a few years later the passion shifted to cars and hot rods.   The louder and faster the better.

While hot rodding around in Sioux Falls, S.D. he saw a young lady.  Dale pursued that lady, Linda Rae Granum.  Their first date included going to a movie, The Sound of Music.  Dale forever disliked the movie but now his passion was meant for Linda.  Dale's life changed in 1967 when Dale and Linda were married.  The couple honeymooned at Thunder Valley Dragway (that's true love).   Linda often referred to Dale as "Dale the pain!"  Dale and Linda had twin daughters, Crystal and Careen. Later in life Tracy was born.

Shifting to the need for speed and power. Dale had a desire for drag racing.  Dale made many forever friends from this sport.  Dale and Gary Blaschke raced at several tracks in the Midwest running the Kirk & Blaschke 1963 Fury.  Most of the racing was in Sioux City, I.A., until Thunder Valley Dragway opened in 1967.  One of their racing buddies is Terry Grosz.   Their racing camp still holds the record for the longest beer can pull tab chain.

While Dale liked to go fast, you could also find him cruising slowly around Centerville, usually with a beloved pup at his side.

After all these years and wonderful memories Dale tragically passed away from a broken heart that only Linda can heal for him in heaven.

Dale leaves behind his loving children, Crystal (Tom) Kuntz, Cary Johnson, and Tracy Kirk and Amy Kirk. He has many grandchildren who love him dearly and will miss getting spoiled by Grandpa Dale: Patrick, Parker, and Kennedy Kuntz; Dustin (Megan) Knudson, Kelsey (Matt) Laska, Courtney (Adam) Hanssen, and Dallas Knudson (and Ashlyn); Ruby (and fiancé Ryder), Vivian, and Clarice Kirk; and four great-grandchildren (with another on the way). He also leaves behind his dear nephews and niece, Kirk Martinsen, Daryl Martinsen, and Shelly Martinsen.

Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Linda and sisters, Doris Kirk and Arlene (Ollie) Lundquist, Jr.