Dale F. Uecker, 85, of Mitchell, formerly of Canistota and Tripp South Dakota, died Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, South Dakota. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Monday, April 7 at the the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mitchell with burial to follow at Canistota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8PM with a prayer service at 7 on Sunday, April 6 at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Dale was born on June 23, 1922 to John and Agnes (Malloy) Uecker. He attended school in Canistota and graduated in 1941. He then attended a votech in Elkhart, Indiana where he took band instrument repair. Vera Ericksen and Dale were marred in Elkhart on May 3, 1942. To this union, 2 sons were born, Francis in 1945 and Jerry in 1949. Francis lives in Bridgewater at the Diamond Care Center and Jerry lives in Mitchell. Dale was inducted into the Army on November 30, 1942 and served until January 14, 1946. One year was spent in European Theatre of Operation. Dale took a course in piano repair and opened the Uecker Piano Shop with the help of his father, John. He also worked at the Post Office and played dances with the Uecker Band. In 1965, he transferred to rural carrier in the Post Office in Tripp, South Dakota. He served there until his retirement in 1982. In the years that followed, Dale and Vera gave dance lessons. Dale was active in the church, Tripp American Legion, and played music at nursing homes and other events. He is survived by wife, Vera, sons Francis of Bridgewater, Jerry and wife Davy of Mitchell; Grandsons Jason and wife Bobbi of Bryant, Jeremy and wife Ashly of Artesian great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents John and Agnes Uecker, brother, Robert and mother-in-law Ann Puskas. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Dales name.