NEW ULM–Dale Eugene Markgraf passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2025. He was 85 years old.

Dale was born on March 10, 1940, in Wood Lake, Minnesota, to Walter and Laverna (nee Preuss) Markgraf. He was baptized by Pastor Troub and confirmed in his faith by his Uncle Orville Markgraf on April 11, 1954. On June 9, 1962, Dale was united in marriage to Rebekah Radichel in Goodhue, Minnesota. Together, they were blessed with five children.

Dale graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1962 and began his teaching ministry at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brownsville, Wisconsin, where he served from 1962 to 1971. In 1971, he accepted a call to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Minnesota, where he served as teacher, athletic director, and principal until his retirement in 2004.

Throughout his life, Dale cherished his family and his passion for fishing. He worked his way through college at a bait and tackle store, nurturing his love for the sport, which he enthusiastically shared with his children.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Becky; his children, Beth Kretsch (Kevin), Dan (Carol Birkholz), Pete (Michelle Ewart), Wendy Menard (Michael), and Amy Rich (Terry); fourteen grandchildren; and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Muriel Bartels (Carl) of Onalaska, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Laverna Markgraf; his brother, Darwin Markgraf (Cathy Berg); and his sister, Virginia Sorensen (Harold).

A Christian Victory Service will take place at 10 am on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

The visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, July 18th, and continue from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19th all at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

His family requests memorials be designated to St. Paul’s Lutheran School’s Capital Campaign in New Ulm.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

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