Dale H. Mehrkens

Dale Mehrkens, 84, of Red Wing, MN, peacefully hung up his earthly hat on 9/4/2025, surrounded by his beloved kids and a whole lot of love. After a brief tango with lung cancer, Dale tiptoed off the stage with the same quiet strength and grace he carried through life—probably humming a tune and checking your car tabs on the way out.

Born on October 31, 1940, yes, Halloween! Dale arrived in Red Wing with a mischievous grin and a heart full of kindness. He never left here, and why would he? Red Wing had everything: good coffee, great people, and a bank that needed a sharp agricultural VP (which he was for 36 years at Goodhue County Bank).

In 1962, Dale married his forever sweetheart, Mary Alice Johnson, and together they built a life so lovely it could’ve been a Norman Rockwell painting, if Norman had a sense of humor and a fishing pole. They raised three wonderful kids: Dan (Jean) Mehrkens, Shelly (Phil) Moen, and Tracey (Mike) Lenarz, who inherited Dale’s wit, warmth, and possibly his obsession with license plate expiration dates.

Dale was the proud grandpa of Kyle, Trevor and Tanner (Kate) Mehrkens, Cooper and Keaton Moen, Sydney (Austin) Reule (and her soon-to-arrive baby), and Sophie Lenarz, and he adored them all with the enthusiasm of a man who just hit a hole-in-one (which he did once – come to the Celebration of Life to hear the story.)

He was preceded in death by his beloved Mary Alice and his brother Lyle, and we suspect they’re already organizing a heavenly golf tournament and swapping stories over coffee.

Dale was a man of many talents: golfing, fishing, storytelling, joke-cracking, and community helping. He had the patience of a saint and the comedic timing of a stand-up pro. Some of his favorite places were Florida with friends and the family cabin on Cross Lake.

He loved a good story, a better joke, and the best company. If you needed help, Dale was there. Unless it was tee time, in which case you’d better bring snacks for the wait.

A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on September 9th, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, followed by a reception at the Elks, where laughter, hugs, and stories are highly encouraged. A visitation for Dale will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel from 5-7 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Dale’s legacy of love and laughter lives on in his family and all who had the joy of knowing him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, especially by anyone whose tabs he reminded them to renew.