Dale Eugene Nye

Dale Eugene Nye, 56, of St. Joseph, passed away early Saturday morning, January 10, 2004 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at Zion United Church of Christ, 9105 Third St., Baroda, with Rev. Dr. Christopher Noffke officiating. Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery, Scottdale. Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ or Berrien County Cancer Service. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dale was born December 8, 1947 in St. Joseph to Harry & Leone (Becker) Nye. He graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1966 and from Michigan State University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agri-Business. Dale worked for Niagara Chemical Company following graduation for several years before returning to the family fruit farm located on Hollywood Road. Dale married the former Jacquelyn Mirely on December 17, 1983 in Baroda. Their 20year marriage was richly filled with many varied experiences. His wife, Jacquie, a schoolteacher in Niles, has enriched young children?s lives for over 22 years. Dale served on the Board of Directors for National Grape Co-Operative for over 20 years, as well as being a member of the Michigan Apple Committee, a life member of the Michigan Horticultural Society, and a longtime member of Mainstreet Toastmasters. Dale was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. He loved people, swapping stories, and taking in sporting activities. Dale thoroughly enjoyed operating his farm-Dale Nye Farms and Nye?s Apple Barn, and providing fruit and camaraderie to the members of our community. He particularly enjoyed his hunting & fishing trips, especially to Montana, time with his family and riding his Harley. He was previously married to Jeannie Underberg with whom he has two children. Dale is survived by his wife Jacquelyn of St. Joseph; daughter Amy Nye of Winthrop, WA; son Andy Nye of Madison, WI; step-son Chris Lattak of Sylvania, OH; step-daughter Angela Lattak of Indianapolis, IN; three brothers Jerrold (Joan) Nye of Columbus, MT; John (Sandra) Nye of St. Joseph; Gordon Nye of Kenton, MI; sister Mary (Kevin) Schuhknecht of Watervliet; numerous nieces & nephews; and Jacquie?s loving family.