The world lost one of its great storytellers, jokesters, and all-around amazing men when Dale hung up his hat for the last time on November 3, 2025 — with his wife and daughter by his side, holding his hands until the very end.
Born on May 11, 1960, Dale was never one to stress the small stuff — mostly because he was too busy living life to the fullest. While most people went to their high school graduation, he decided water skiing sounded like a much better use of a sunny day and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.
Dale loved the beach and open water, always finding an excuse to have a fishing pole in hand and good company nearby. Whether he caught anything or not never really mattered — what mattered were the laughs, the stories, and the time spent with friends. He was especially excited to take his daughter out on deep sea fishing trips once she was old enough, passing down his love for the ocean and the simple joy of a day spent on the water.
He traveled the country, collected stories, laughter, and a fair share of questionable snacks along the way. No matter where he went, he made friends easily — the kind of guy who could start a conversation with anyone and leave them smiling.
But above all else, Dale was a family man through and through. He worked hard to provide for his wife, Lynn and his daughter, Ashley. He loved them with his whole heart, and had the patience of a saint (especially when they tested that patience daily). He was Lynn’s partner-in-laughter, Ashley’s biggest supporter, and the calm in every storm.
Dale taught us that life’s too short to worry about the small things — so laugh, take the trip, spend a day on the water, and never pass up a chance to make a memory.
After a long and courageous fight, Dale has finally found peace. He faced every challenge with strength, patience, and even laughter — a true testament to the kind of man he was. We take comfort in knowing he’s up in heaven, living it up the way he always did, with a smile on his face and laughter in his heart.
Dale will be deeply missed and forever loved by his wife Lynn Hangstefer, daughter and son-in-law Ashley and Robert O’Neill, Mother Shelly Hangstefer, his three sisters Laura (Steve) Moody, Lisa Simpson, and Lynda (Don) Carter and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his dad Walter B. Hangstefer, brother Bryan Hangstefer and finally one of his closest friends and partner in crime, Chad. We can only imagine the chaos (and laughter) those two are causing together again. God definitely has his hands full now.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In true Dale fashion, we’ll share stories, laughs, and maybe a few bad jokes in his honor.
