Dale R. Cotch

Dale R. Cotch, age 58 of Star Prairie passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at his residence surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. Dale was born on August 9, 1958 in Amery to parents, Robert and Ann (Thill) Cotch. He attended Osceola schools and graduated with the class of 1976. After high school Dale joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served 30 years being honorably discharged from active duty in 2006 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4). Throughout his career Dale was stationed in Alameda, CA, Seattle, WA, Petaluma, CA, St. Paul, MN, Duluth, MN, New York City, NY, Juneau, AK, Sitka, AK, Seattle, WA and New London, CT. He married Mary Bishop on May 15, 1998 in Crystal Lake, Nevada. Dale worked as an Assistant County Veterans Service Officer for Washington County, Minnesota and most recently as the County Veterans Service Officer for St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Dale was very involved with and volunteered his time with nine Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. He was also a member of the Twin Cities Military Retiree Council and was active in area American Legions. He received his B.S. Degree from Southern Illinois University in May of 2007. Dale was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church and also served as president of the church council for five years. He volunteered as coach for youth basketball, baseball and soccer. He enjoyed time shooting pool in a league as well as hunting, traveling, spending time outdoors and being a Packer fan. Dale is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Rebecca (Aaron) Cotch of Anchorage, AK; son, Dylan at home, sisters, Jill (Larry) Carlson of Osceola, Heidi Schrock of Osceola, Jode (Bob) Bardwell of Stewartville, MN and Jenny Fox of Stillwater, MN; brothers, Jeff (Lori) Fox of Dresser, Jim Fox of West St. Paul, MN and Jerome (Amy) Fox of Algonquin, IL; granddaughter, Renee Doyle; in laws, Harold and Dorothy Bishop of New Richmond, Vicki (Jim) Palmer of Chisago City, MN and Sandra (Kevin) Westling of Mesa, AZ as well as many special nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, many friends and fellow veterans. Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cotch and Ann Cotch Fox and stepfather, Jerry Fox. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Twin Cities Honor Flight Group (www.honorflighttwincities.org).