Dale S. Gapinski, age 65, of Maple Lake, died on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at his home under the loving care of his family and St. Croix Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as Celebrant and Fr. John Meyer as Concelebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery on County Road 37, Maple Lake. Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A rosary will be said before Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

Dale Sylvester Gapinski was born to Richard and Theresa (Przybilla) Gapinski on November 22, 1960, in Buffalo, Minnesota. He was a loving brother to his 8 siblings, and a dedicated son to his parents, always looking to follow in their footsteps and provide the best life for his family as they did for him.

Dale graduated with the Class of 1979 from Buffalo High School. He was united in Catholic marriage on September 12, 1981, to his high school sweetheart, Linda Scherber. They recently celebrated 45 wonderful years together. Dale and Linda filled their farmhouse with 7 loving children, and 13 grandchildren.

Dale was a faith filled, hardworking, dedicated man to God and his family. He was a proud dairy farmer for 43 years. He retired from dairy farming, but continued to farm God's land and raise steers and beef cattle. Dale always said he worked a full-time job to support his hobby farming. Dale worked for over 32 years at Buffalo Rolling Hills Landfill; he had a passion for sharing his knowledge and the history of the landfill.

Dale was always welcoming and made life very special, sharing his laughter and humor with all. His irreplaceable knowledge, humility, and selflessness was like no other. If you needed advice or something fixed, he was the first to be by your side even if he just met you. No matter where he was, whether his first days at Bergstrom Brothers Equipment, or in his shop working, people knew he would be looking to find a way to help everyone he encountered and provide solutions to any problem they may have.

Dale's secret specialty was cooking; he loved making new recipes and dishes large enough to feed an army. Gathering with family in the kitchen to make new recipes always brought Dale great joy.

Dale was a man of great faith. He was baptized and received all his sacraments at St. Francis Xavier in Buffalo. He carried his faith on his sleeve and shared his love of the Lord with all. He was a current active member of the Church of Saint Timothy's and the Knights of Columbus. Dale enjoyed mentoring newly engaged couples through the church, along with his wife, teaching them to keep God in the center of their marriage.

Dale lived for God and his family. His grandchildren brought a whole new light into his world as he enjoyed teaching them, being with them, and picking on them, just like his father had. He always placed his family before his needs. He was proud of them all and didn't miss a chance to talk about and embrace each and every one of them. Dale was a man who could make something from nothing and loved teaching his family to work with what you have and make the best of it.

Dale was given many tribulations throughout his life, but he never strayed from his faith in the Lord, God's path for him, or his love for his family. During challenges he would say, "the good Lord doesn't give you more than you can handle" and would live those words every moment of his life. He shared his light through getting to know people, with his smirk and jokes, he loved bringing a smile to all. Even in his last days, Dale prioritized making people smile, because that was his true passion, serving others. He was everyone's biggest supporter, and we are so proud of the work he did and the life he built, all in the service of others.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Linda; children, Angela (Jake) Marquette, Kristina (Steven) Berg, Jessica (Dusten) Wilking, Douglas (Amelia) Gapinski, Dominic (Abby) Gapinski, Daniel (Alainna) Gapinski, and Donald (Augusta) Gapinski; grandchildren, Zachary, Evan, Alexis, Lucy, Sylvester, Eleanor, Madeline, Casen, Callie, Carlee, and 3 future grandchildren arriving 2027; siblings; Allen (Diane) Gapinski, Jerry (Bernie) Gapinski, Michael (Cindy) Gapinski, Cheryl (Dan) Manz, Mary Jo Gapinski, Wendy (Bob) Pahl, and Patrick (Susan) Gapinski; brother-in-law, Harvey Lesser; mother-in-law, Ann Scherber; and many brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Richard and Theresa Gapinski; father-in-law, Donald Scherber; sister, Bonnie Lesser; and nephew, Ryan Gapinski.

Zachary Marquette, Evan Berg, Tom Otto, Paul Schleif, Kevin Bursch, Doug Sawatzke, Joe Hopkins, Earl Kasper, Gene Lambert, and Blake Paumen will serve as casket bearers. The lectors will be Dan Scherber and Jeff Scherber. The Gift Bearers Allen Gapinski and Wendy Pahl. Music for the service will be provided by Krista Elsenpeter and Shannon Paumen. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.