Robert "Dale" Leslie Sr.

 ROBERT “DALE” LESLIE SR.

Robert “Dale” Leslie, Sr., 91 of Decker, died Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Woodland Acres Assisted Living Home of Snover. He was born October 24, 1933 at home in Decker to Albert Wheeler and Florence Eleanor (Jickling) Leslie. He married Audrey Jean Behr on January 3, 1955 in Pontiac. She died April 17, 2025.

A veteran, Dale served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955. He devoted his life to dairy farming. Dale was passionate about showing steers and taught his children proper cattle showing skills, as well as mentoring other children. He loved to buy, sell, and groom Black Angus cattle. Dale was a 4-H beef leader for over fifty years. He was one of the founders of the 4-H Jackpot committee. Dale attended the Denver National Livestock show annually. A highlight of his life was when he won the grand champion steer at the 1951 Michigan State Fair in Detroit and when his granddaughter Stephanie and grandson Jake won at the State Fair with steers he picked out.

Dale is survived by his daughters: Diane (James) Hrabec of Davison, Roberta (Brian) Hall of Lake Orion, Hope (John) Gallagher of Plainfield, IL; Merilee (Kenneth) Krucker of Sterling Heights, Ann (Russ) Jenkins of Caro; sons: Robert (Kathy) Leslie Jr. of Decker; Albert (Dawn) Leslie of Decker; twenty-three grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; sisters: Beatrice Wallace of Owosso; Jean (Larry) Behr of Brown City; brother-in-law, Rev. Ross Beach of Fruitport. He is preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Colleen Moore; sisters: Margaret Sefton, Mary Evelyn Beach; brothers-in-law: Robert Wallace, Jack Milligan.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with his son-in-law, Pastor Kenneth Krucker officiating. Military honors conducted by Cass City VFW Post #3644 and the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard. Interment in Evergreen Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Leslie will be: Jacob Leslie, Jeff Leslie, Greggory Leslie, Andy Leslie, Becca Leslie and Alan Leslie. Memorials may be made to Sanilac County 4-H Fair or Woodland Acres Assisted Living Home. The family wishes to thank Evelyn Minard and all caregivers at Woodland Acres for many years of excellent care of their father.

Visitation: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2025 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

 Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City