ALAMOSA  — Longtime Alamosa resident Dale Eugene Achatz, 84, passed away surrounded by family Jan. 16, 2020 at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa.

Dale was the only child to Albert Frank Achatz and Eunice Olivia Bradley Achatz. 

He was born on Sept. 5, 1935 in Alamosa.  Dale was united in marriage to Yvonne Jeanette Henson on Oct. 26, 1957 in Alamosa, she preceded him in death on Dec. 14, 2019.

Dale’s working career began at an early age as he learned to weld for Alamosa Welding Works. He then entered the United States Army where he served for a couple of years and was honorably discharged.  After marrying his wife Yvonne, he took a job with the Colorado Department of Transportation and worked his way up to Senior Shop Foreman and held this position until his retirement.

Dale was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Alamosa Elks Lodge BPOE 1297, the VFW Post 899 and the Last Squad Standing through the VFW, and the Del Monte Gun Club, where he served as a past officer and was currently on the Board of Directors.

Dale was a mechanic and master fabricator and could fix and build just about anything.    

He is survived by his children, Mike (Lindsay) Achatz, Lori Achatz-Garcia, Alan (Peggy) Achatz and Russell Achatz; his grandchildren, Kristi (Trevor) Driggs, Tiffany Garcia, Christopher (LaDonna) Achatz and Jessica Achatz; his great grandchildren, Greyson Driggs and Nathan Achatz; as well as his loving dog, “Candy.”

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Yvonne J. Achatz.

Cremation was chosen and a memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa.  Committal services will follow the Mass at the Alamosa Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the San Luis Valley Health Foundation and may be made in care of the funeral home office.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements.

To leave online condolences, tributes and remarks for Dale’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com