Dale Phillip Mitsch

Dale Phillip Mitsch, 79, of St. Paul Park, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025. Known affectionately as "Mitsch," he was a dedicated educator and passionate naturalist whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, May 14th at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park, MN. The Memorial Service will be at 11 AM on Thursday, May 15th also at the funeral home with a visitation from 10-11 AM. Burial will follow service at Newport Cemetery, Newport, MN.

Born in St. Paul, MN, to Ray and Evelyn (Goodrow) Mitsch, Dale spent his formative years in Little Canada, MN, where he developed a profound love for nature during countless summers "up north" at the family cabin on Eagle Lake. This early connection to the outdoors would shape his life and career.

Dale graduated from Ramsey High School in 1964 and pursued a degree in biology at The University of Wisconsin - River Falls. It was there that he met his future wife, Mary (Kurth), in 1966. The couple eloped and married on February 29, 1968. Shortly after their marriage, Dale was drafted into the U.S. Navy, serving in a classified communications position during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Washington D.C., he and Mary welcomed their first child, Chad, in 1971. Dale was later transferred to Hawaii and honorably discharged in 1972.

After his military service, Dale earned his master’s degree and began a fulfilling teaching career at Park Senior High School in Cottage Grove, where he taught biology and other sciences. In 1977, The Mitsch's daughter, Jennifer ("Jenny"), was born. Dale continued to teach for more than 30 years. His classroom was a vibrant reflection of his passion for nature, bringing the outdoors in and featuring a collection of hundreds of birds and animals taxidermied by Mitsch himself.

Following his retirement, Dale focused on his cherished 23-acre property near the Nemadji River in Holyoke, MN, which he lovingly referred to as "Grandpa's Gift." This sanctuary allowed him to reconnect with nature and share his joy with family and friends, always embracing his role as a teacher and mentor.

Dale is survived by his devoted wife, Mary (Kurth) Mitsch; his children, Chad Mitsch of East St. Paul, MN, and Jennifer (Kip) Hines of Staples, MN; six grandchildren, Dawson, Morgan, Charlie, Laken, Bella, and Willow; his siblings, Ronald (Marilyn) Mitsch of North Oaks, MN, Gary (Sue) Mitsch of Fifty Lakes, MN, and James (Paula) Mitsch of Little Canada, MN; sister-in-law Janet (Tom) Jirik; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Evelyn Mitsch; his sister-in-law, Patricia Check; and his beloved cat, Belle.

Dale Mitsch's legacy of love, learning, and connection to nature will continue to inspire all who knew him.

All monetary gifts will be split between two organizations, The Richard Dingle American Legion Post 98 and The Carpenter Nature Center.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.