Dale Astel

Loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, Dale Dutson Astel, 87, of Orem Utah, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 5, 2019, from a valiant battle with leukemia.  Dale was born in Grover, Wyoming to Alma P. Astle and Martha C. Dutson Astle on November 5, 1931.  He was one of 14 children.  His siblings included; Ralph, George, Verda, Myrle, Reva, Qwen, Oral (died after 11 days), Evan, Vesta, Paul (died after 5 days), Sem, Zoma, and Martha (stillborn).

Dale loved growing up in Wyoming, exploring, working on the farm, raising cattle and other animals.  Dale learned to work hard in his youth and continued this noble work ethic throughout his life.  When Dale was 16, he moved to American Fork, Utah to join his family.  He enjoyed playing football while at American Fork High School and made many lifelong friends there.  After graduating from high school, he joined the National Guard where he served for nine years and achieved the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.

Dale married JoAnn Neebling on November 6, 1952 in Provo, Utah.  Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple in 1957.  He dearly loved his wife and his greatest joy was when he was with her, whether they were enjoying a good burger and people watching, or just relaxing in their lounge chairs in the sun. To the very end, his only concern was for her well being and happiness. Dale was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he faithfully served in many callings including; serving in the Bishopric, as a member of the High Council, an Aaronic Priesthood Advisor, Ward and Stake Sunday School President, Elder’s Quorum President, and was a faithful Home Teacher.  He and his wife also served as ordinance workers for three years in the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  Dale and JoAnn enjoyed serving two missions—one, an 18 month mission to the Aba, Nigeria Temple from 2005 to 2006 resulting in a sincere love for the Nigerian people, another at the Lindon Cannery for a year.  Dale loved to attend the temple and faithfully spent time there every week until he was physically unable continue.

Dale worked at Geneva Steel for 37 years where he missed only 4 days of work due to illness.  He loved his family more than anything, and was a wonderful provider.  He took his family on many memorable vacations and helped his family grow close with family outings.  After his retirement from Geneva Steel, he worked for the Alpine School District as a loved bus driver for 13 years.

Dale loved to travel with JoAnn and saw many parts of the world.  They enjoyed trips to South America, Europe, Israel, China, Japan, Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.  They visited every continent except Australia and Antarctica.

Dale was a fantastic coach for his boys' baseball teams.  He loved to take his four boys fishing and hunting. He loved BYU football and basketball, especially when he could attend with his sons. He was an industrious man and could fix almost anything. He personally added on and remodeled his entire home doubling its size.  Dale loved working in his yard and garden and always kept it beautiful.  He was also an excellent mechanic and enjoyed working on his cars and helping his boy's learn his skills. He always faulted his wife for being too generous, but was always generous to a fault with others.  He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and his ability to tease and laugh. To know him was to love him. Truly a remarkable man, and will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn of 66 years; three sons Kirk (Janna) Astel of Ammon, Idaho; Brian (Lauri) Astel of Orem, Utah; and Eric (Jennifer) Astel of Logan, Utah.;  17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren with one on the way';  two siblings, Evan Astle and Zoma Kidd. Dale was preceded in death by his son, Michael Astel; daughter-in-law, Dawn Astel; his parents and 11 siblings.

A viewing for friends and family will be held Friday evening, January 11, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street in Orem.  Services will be held Saturday, January 12, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 190 North 800 West in Orem.  A viewing will also be held Saturday morning at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services.  Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.