Dale Russell Jehnzen

Dale Russell Jehnzen, 73, of Morganton, was freed from his earthly body on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care. He was born on May 13, 1939 in Jackson, Michigan and was the son of the late Russell and Florence Morey Jehnzen. Dale earned his Eagle Scout award and was also a Boy Scout leader. He graduated from the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1962. He was active as a Big Brother and was a past president of the W.B.C.C.I. Air Stream Unit 169. He retired from Dana Corporation with more than 30 years of service. Dale loved to travel, the outdoors, and nature. He has traveled throughout 48 states and especially enjoyed his camping adventures to the Boundary Waters of the U.S and Canada with his friend, Dr. Gerry Nieters.He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Janet Hopson Jehnzen; daughters, Autumn Leigh Jehnzen and partner, Ron J Smith, Jr. of Morganton and Wendi Jehnzen Arnone and husband, Robert of Wakefield, Rhode Island; grandchildren, Joseph, Sophia and Ella; brother, Allyn Jehnzen and wife, Mary Ellen of Jackson, Michigan; and several nephews and a niece. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his faithful canine companion, Kristi.A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 25, 2013 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Todd McCullough officiating and military rites conducted by the NC National Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St. Morganton, NC 28655.