Dale Howard Modders

Let me tell you about my Dad, Dale Howard Modders was born in Cadillac, Michigan on August 14, 1933, to the proud parents William Modders and Laura (Jorgenson) Modders.

Dale was a social bird, a stranger to no one, always liked starting conversations with anyone. He grew up in the Depression years where everyone helped anyone. And in those years is where Dale formed his character, values, personality and the love he has for the Lord that carried through all these 92 years.

Dale had a love of the outdoors where he hunted, fished, traveled with friends on hunting and fishing trips and camping. Dale so enjoyed bowling but most of all golf. He worked for Sears for over 10 years, GM for 33 years and served in the Naval Reserves for 3 ½ years. He enjoyed his church and the Lutheran faith.

Dale was so proud and happy that he had a good showing of his Phlox flowers. That birds nested in his bird house he could watch from his window.

Dale married his first wife, my mother, Sheila Ann Mead and they became the proud parents of Howard D. Modders and Cathy M. Modders.

Dale married the love of his life Rosemary (Howe) Helms on May 27, 1972, along with her seven children, Cathy (Vic) Jagos, Fran (Dan) Schmuck, Charles Helms, Dr. Michael (Karen) Helms, Mary Jo Helms, Dr. Mark (Lucy) Helms, and Timothy (Ann) Helms, also 22 step grandchildren and countless great grandchildren, plus 3 adopted great great-grandchildren that lovingly called him Papa Dale.

I would like to thank the following people: the congregation at the Trinity Lutheran Church: Morris and Peggy Fulcher, Gary, Sandy and Macy Bostwick, and Bob, Linda, April and Hunter Defoe. Neighbors he so appreciated and enjoyed throughout the years of helping hands, conversation and friendship. Sandy Black, Renae Hochule, Virginia Reimer, James Mason, Jim Hudecik, Red Dollar, Judy Brown, Carol Hempsall, Pat and Mike Martino, Chuck (Dad's neighbor), the Nickerson family, Stephanie Johnston, Sarah Martin, Isabella Jackson, Delphine Jackson, Dwan, Mark, Madison, Jon and Morgan Bryants, Annetta Clark, Tammy Luff, Liz Austin, Marla and Kelly Johnson, Hospice Staff, Stacy Bracheau and Staff, Bev and Paul Wooten, Seventh Day Adventist Congregation, Dyle and Cindy Mead, Dr. Hoeler and Staff, Dr. Steible and Staff, Sharp Funeral Home Staff, Jenny Morton, Linday Hathaway and all the Modders Clan.

A very special thanks to Patrick Quintieau Belleux, a special friend from France dad enjoyed so much, Marla Johnson and Liz Austin, Isabella Jackson, Shawn Feinaueer and Bonnie Lixey and Gloria Nankerkervis my life supporters.

On Friday August 7, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1025 Main Street Fenton, MI, visitation will be held from 12-1pm. There will be a Funeral service from 1-1:30pm with Pastor Peter Ahlersmeyer officiating and following the service Dale will be take to the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd. Holly, MI. Cremation has previously been held. Those desiring may make contributions to the Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Surviving is Dale’s daughter Cathy Modders as well as Rosemary’s 7 children.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rosemary, son Howard and brothers Ray and Bill.

Now Dale is resting and waiting for that glorious moment when Jesus will call Dale by name and raise him up to join Jesus along with all the other believing Christians that are resting and then the living Christians will join Jesus in the sky. 1st the dead in Christ then the living in Christ will be raised.