Dale E. Ovnan, age 80, of East Grand Forks, MN passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024, after a battle with heart disease at River View Health in Crookston, MN. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather with a passion for family and life.

Dale Everett Ovnan was born on January 16, 1944, to Elmer Ovnan and Dolores (Bushee) Ovnan in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in East Grand Forks and attended high school at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN.

In 1966, Dale married, Margaret Koppang, at Sacred Heart Church in East Grand Forks. They had three children. Dale served his country in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Dale had a passion for automobiles and worked in automotive sales for over 40 years at both General Auto Parts and Walmart, retiring in 2009.

A devout Catholic, Dale was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church, where he served as a eucharistic minister and found solace in his faith. Beyond his church duties, Dale had a wide range of passions. He was an avid enthusiast of classic cars, especially his cherished 1956 Ford Fairlane, which he proudly showcased at numerous car shows. He rarely missed a Friday night race at River Cities Speedway, sharing his passion for racing with friends and family.

In his leisure time, Dale enjoyed woodworking projects and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. He was known for his competitive spirit and enjoyed organizing any type of game, but his favorite game was 9-point smear.  Above all, Dale's family was the center of his universe. He adored his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them in their activities and endeavors. You could often find him in the gym or auditorium at Sacred Heart School.  He was their biggest fan.

Dale is survived by his brother, Harold Ovnan, Walker, MN; his loving children, Monica (Darren) Evavold, East Grand Forks, MN, Darlene (John) Rines, Plymouth, MN, and Daniel Ovnan, East Grand Forks, MN; grandchildren, Taylor Heinz, Devin (Paige) Evavold, Ian Evavold, Sophie Evavold, Isabella Ovnan and a great-grandchild, Leona Evavold.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gary Ovnan and Lloyd Ovnan; his daughter-in-law, Colleen Ovnan and his sister-in-law, Darlene Ovnan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN.
Family Greeting: One hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday.
Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the Minnesota National Guard.