Dale Byron Heldstab, 87

Dale Byron Heldstab, 87, was born in 1939 in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Willard Heldstab and Louise (DuFault) Heldstab. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1956, where he was involved in student council and the Chef’s Club. 

Dale received degrees from St. Cloud State and the University of Southern California. He went on to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1960. Four years later, he became an officer and was raised to the rank of second lieutenant. He graduated from Squadron Officer School in 1967 and achieved the rank of major before retiring in 1980 and then serving in the Reserves until 1984.

One year after enlisting, on Nov. 25, 1961, Dale married Philis (Hanchett), whom he cherished to the end of her life. They spent a year of his service deployed to Australia, which began a lasting interest in their culture and art.

Upon moving to Columbia Falls, Dale and his wife converted their garage into a workshop from which they remodeled their house and built their own custom cabinetry, as well as adding many artistic personal touches throughout the structure. Later, they spent many years between Columbia Falls and Phoenix, Arizona, in another house filled with their artwork and instinctive design skills.

Dale enjoyed supporting his wife’s many artistic hobbies, as well as many hobbies of his own. He was a hunter until one day he was so struck by the beauty of a deer that he could not pull the trigger. He also frequented the golf course and bought his own golf cart to the delight of his grandchildren, to whom he permitted the use of the cart around the block.

He was out walking and enjoying the beauties of Montana daily, often with a dog, of which he owned many with his wife over the years. The favorite, and most recent canine companion was a golden retriever named Biscuit.

Dale’s life also included service to the community as an active member of St. Richard Parish who volunteered with parish receipts and was an extraordinary minister of Holy Eucharist. He also spent time as the Secretary for the Meadow Lake Estates Homeowners Association.

Later in life, his cheerful greeting and welcoming smile were often seen in time with his brothers and friends whom he met regularly for coffee at the Night Owl, as well as many other neighbors and friends whom he often saw on his walks.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Philis Heldstab and brother Bruce Heldstab. 

He is survived by his brother Guy Heldstab (Columbia Falls); his children Dawn Needles (Kalispell), Mark Heldstab (Kalispell), Cheryl Smith (Christopher) (Littleton, Colorado); his grandchildren Michael Kegley (Rachel) (Omaha, Nebraska), Connor Smith (Clare) (Rapid City, South Dakota), Kennan Smith (Kellie) (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Luke Smith (Missoula), Blaise Smith (Vietnam), Dominic Smith (Laramie, Wyoming), Veronica Smith (Littleton, Colorado); and great grandchildren; Grant, Owen, and Charlie Kegley (Omaha, Nebraska), and Gianna, Imogen, Judith, Esther, Felix, and Hildegard Smith (Rapid City, South Dakota).

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Tunnel 2 Towers would be appreciated.

A rosary will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 9 at St. Richard Parish in Columbia Falls. A funeral mass to follow at 11 a.m. and interment at St. Richard Cemetery will be held at 2:30 p.m.

To send online condolences, please visit columbiamortuary.com. Columbia Mortuary is caring for the family.