Dale W. Browning, age 76, passed from this life late Saturday evening, October 15, 2005 at his home in Belle Fourche. He was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing. He was born on March 2, 1929 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Noble and Minnie Hilmer Browning. His parents operated several small newspapers in small communities in South Dakota including Quinn, Belvidere and Nisland. Along with receiving his education during this time, he and his 2 brothers also learned the newspaper trade. While in his teens, Dale left the newspaper trade to work on the railroad so that he could help support his family because of his father's poor health.

Dale and Elizabeth Ferdig were married in Belvidere South Dakota in 1949. To this union, six children were born.

During his life, Dale worked as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver and auto mechanic. One of the jobs he was most proud of was his work to help lay underground cable for the Titan Missile sites in North and South Dakota. He also worked as a logger and drove gravel truck for several years. Dale also worked for several years at the Farmers Ranchers Coop and at Center of the Nation Wool Warehouse in Belle Fourche.

Dale was married to Darla Lietner on January 28, 1978. The couple had one daughter.
In 1987, he and Darla opened Dale's Auto Repair in Belle Fourche and operated it until 1993. Dale loved cars and especially Fords. He was very proud of his vintage Ford Mustang.

In 2002 Dale began working for the Belle Fourche school district transporting handicapped and special needs students to and from classes. He soon developed a special bond with many of students and they enjoyed him as much as he enjoyed them.

Dale is survived by his wife, Darla at the family home, four daughters; Linda (Tom) Prantner Belle Fourche, Judy (Frank) DeFalco of Broomfield, CO, Vicky Browning of Sioux Falls, and Kim Browning of Kansas City, MO, two sons; Dale D. Browning of Alladin, Wyo , Mark (Shawna) Browning of Belle Fourche and a step son, Todd (Kelli) Lietner, also of Belle Fourche. Dale has 14 grand children and 4 great grand children.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Rocky.

Visitation will be on Wednesday afternoon, October 19, 2005 at 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.

Funeral services for Dale will be Thursday morning, October 20, 2005 at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche, SD at 10:00 AM with Pastor Paul Howard officiating. There will be visitation one hour before the funeral at the church. Interment will be at Pine Slope Cemetery.

All arrangements are under the guidance of the Funeral Home of the Northern Hills, Belle Fourche, SD.
wwwfuneralhomesofcaring.com