ELKHART — Dale E. Blosser, 79, of Elkhart, passed away Monday afternoon, Aug. 25, at Elkhart General Hospital, following an extended illness.

Dale was born in Elkhart on Oct. 25, 1934, the son of the late Mary (Markley) Blosser.

In addition to his mother, a sister, Sharlene Blosser, preceded him in death.

On June 22, 1957, Dale married the former Joanne M. Bueter at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Joanne M. Blosser, and children Larry (Carolyn) Blosser of Elkhart, Janice "Jan" (Marty) Hiller of Tampa, Fla., Julie Dale of LaGrange, Tom Blosser of Elkhart and Mark (Erin) Blosser of Noblesville. His 11 grandchildren survive as well.

Dale was a 1952 graduate of Elkhart High School and a 1957 graduate of Western Michigan University, where he received a BA degree in engineering.

Dale worked for Penn Controls/Johnson Controls as an engineer and superintendent; he retired after 41 years of service. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and enjoyed being a high school basketball referee for 39 years.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A rosary recital will conclude the evening beginning at 7:45 p.m. Friends may also call for an hour prior to the 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, Mass of Christian Burial at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart. The Rev. Matthew Coonan will officiate. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow the Mass. Burial will be at a later date in Yellow Creek Cemetery in Goshen.

The family kindly request memorials be given to the church. Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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