Dale A. Leider

Dale A. Leider passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, in Alma, Michigan. He was born in 1934 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Charles and Regina Leider. After high school graduation, he sailed on the Great Lakes as a seaman and an oiler for a few years before enlisting in the Navy, where he trained as an Air Traffic Controller.  He married Cheryl in the Spring of 1962 in Toledo, Ohio. They had three children and happily raised them in Kentwood and in Traverse City, Michigan. He retired from the FAA after 30 years, finishing his career as the Tower Chief in Traverse City, Michigan. He continued working fun jobs: his favorite being a greenskeeper for The Bear at the Grand Traverse Resort, one which he enjoyed for another 16 years.

Dale was a member of the Traverse City Masonic Lodge. When the time came, he and Cheryl became beloved residents of the Michigan Masonic Home in Alma, Michigan.

Dale is survived by his wife, Cheryl, his children Kimberly (Mike), Lisa (Mike), and Christian (Jill), as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and their families.

Family, friends, and staff are invited to join us to honor our dad. A service will be conducted by Pastor Steve at the Masonic Home Chapel in Alma, Michigan, located at 1200 Wright Avenue, on April 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM. A Masonic Candlelight Service will be held on June 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM, located at 13360 S. West Bay Shore Drive in Traverse City. His final resting place will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the Memorial Garden, located in Traverse City.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff and the residents at the Masonic Home for their love and compassion in caring for our dad. We saw how he touched each of their lives, and they adopted him as one of their own. He enjoyed you all too.
Thank you all!!