Dale Irvin Brendemuehl

June 4th, 1936 - March 15th, 2024

Dale I. Brendemuehl, 87, of Arlington, MA, passed away peacefully Friday morning, March 15th.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years and the love of his life, Ruth (Mardigian) Brendemuehl; son Steven and daughter-in-law Lynn (Coffin) Brendemuehl of Natick, daughter Debra and partner Brian Nolan of West Roxbury, daughter Karen (Brendemuehl) Maguire of Arlington, daughter-in-law and widow of late son Richard Brendemuehl, Pat (Sloan) Brendemuehl of Arlington, brother, Bill of Kerkoven, MN, grandchildren: Kelsey (Brendemuehl) Siciliano and her husband James, Kathryn Brendemuehl, Brendan and Evan Nolan, great-granddaughter Madelynn Siciliano, and many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he adored.

Dale grew up in the small town of Fennimore, Wisconsin, which he fondly referred to as “God’s Country”. His humble, hard-working, fun-loving nature was formed in his youth. Born during the depression and raised as one of 4 brothers and a sister, Dale's early life was filled with hard work on scenic farms, helping his mother in her garden, fishing in Wisconsin’s cold streams, lots of sports, and even more mischief. After graduating from Fennimore High School, class of 1955, he joined the US Army, where he met the love of his life, Ruth, while briefly stationed in Devens, MA. After completing his military service, Dale and Ruth married and lived for a brief time in Wisconsin before returning to Arlington where they raised their family. Dale worked as a plumber for John Hancock where he made friends throughout the buildings until he retired, and was a proud member of both the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge.

Also called “Papa” by his grandchildren, Dale is known for many things: epic bowls of popcorn, a freezer full of berries, blueberry pancakes, years of prize tomatoes and cucumbers growing in his gardens, “Frick and Frack Maple Syrup”, his love for playing cards, and so much more. More than anything else, he is most known for his genuine appreciation for life’s true gifts. He loved nothing more than to spend time with his family and friends, just “shooting the breeze” - in the Hancock plumbing shop, on the front porch of his parent’s home in Fennimore, while rolling up his sleeves and doing projects or fishing with his Lake George friends, fishing the streams of Wisconsin or the lakes of New Hampshire, or grilling in the backyard - celebrating every holiday with family, watching his Bruins, Red Sox, and Patriots, or enthusiastically celebrating every one of his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements and milestones.

Whether over a pot of coffee, an ice cream, or a Jim Beam, Dale always had a smile, a story, and a laugh to share with anyone who would listen. Throughout his life, he found God’s Country wherever and whenever he was with the people he loved. He has returned to the open arms of his parents, brothers Ivan and Arno, sister Alma, son Richard, and sister-in-law Libby in heavenly God’s Country.

Services in honor of Dale’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6th.

● 9:30 - 11:00 am: Visiting hours with family will be held at Keefe Funeral Home (5 Chestnut St., Arlington, MA)

● 11:00 am: Celebration of Life ceremony concluding with military honors

● All are invited to join us for lunch immediately following the ceremony. Details will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, Dale’s family asks that donations be made in his memory to either Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org/ or the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts, www.alz.org/manh