Dale Reay Slauson

Dale Reay Slauson, 83, passed away of natural causes at home on March 14, 2018 in Libby. Dale was born on Jan. 21, 1935 in Great Falls to Don and Dorothy Slauson. The Slauson family moved from Geyser to Libby in 1936.

Dale attended Libby Schools. He worked for Blackwell Construction. Dale dug many of the basements in the older buildings in Libby, including St. John’s Lutheran School. He enlisted in the Army in 1957 and served in France as a mechanic. Dale received expert rifle and good conduct medals. He was honorably discharged in 1959, returned to Libby, and remained in the active reserves until 1963. Upon returning to Libby, Dale went to work for J. Neils Lumber Co. as a planer operator and filer. He continued his employment with St. Regis and Champion International until retiring in 1993.

On Jan. 31, 1962, he married Marie Williamson Ward. Together they raised Ann and Steve and recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Dale enjoyed many hobbies such as horse-back riding, outdoor activities, antiques, and hit-and-miss motors. He was an excellent horseman. Dale’s pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna Barnes.

Dale is survived by his wife, Marie; children Ann Ward Grotjohn (Jeff) and Steve Ward (Sydney); grandchildren Nick Grotjohn (Erin), Sara Holzhauser (Logan), Brandon Laffoon (Malarie) and Paige Tolle (Jimmy); great-grandchildren Brady, Brody and Braxly Laffoon, Maverick and Brooks Grotjohn, and James and Harper Tolle; sister-in-law Sharon Williamson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Tuesday, March 20 at Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Libby Volunteer Ambulance or Libby VFW Post 1548 in memory of Dale R. Slauson.