Dale Calvin Berkheimer

February 26th, 1946   -    May 30th, 2008

Free at last, free at last, Thank God Almighty, he's free at last !!!

    It is with great sorrow and, at the same time, great joy and awe, that we must share that on, Friday, May 30th, 2008, in his home, surrounded by his whole family and closest friends that Dale passed from this world to the next. We were privileged to be able to spend his last weeks, days, and hours with Dale at home. Kathy never left Dale unattended and rarely was he left in the care of anyone else, but herself, not wanting to miss a precious moment that they had left to share. While none of us know or can share the same sadness, sorrow and grief Kathy feels; we are all left with pain that comes from the hole in our hearts that was the spot Dale held. As privileged as we were to be able to keep Dale at home in his final days, as he wished, we are even more privileged to have the memories of our life with him,  that will last a lifetime. That was a gift he had given us.

    We will miss Dale tremendously, as a husband, father, companion, confidant, advisor, co-worker, superintendent, friend and so much more. Nothing would have upset him more than if we sat around feeling sorry for ourselves and obsessed about our loss. He would want us to keep in mind that our loss is his gain - being set free from this life trapped in a body that deteriorated around him. The cancer caused him to feel progressively worse and more frustrated, physically, mentally and emotionally, as he endured the illness and it's ravaging affects, the chemo and radiation treatments, tube feeding, loss of strength and towards the end, not being able to get around on his own or communicate easily.

    Dale lived for his family and his work. Dog shows were his life, it's where he wanted to be. That's where most of his friends were. It was his way of providing for his family and finding satisfaction as he and Kathy worked together to make Rau Dog Shows grow and become a major contributing force in the dog show superintending field. To not carry on, all that Dale and Kathy have worked so hard to build, would be a dishonor to his hard work and memory. So be assured, Rau Dog Shows will continue to build, grow and serve with the same care and service we always have, but with new determination and resolve as would be the only thing fitting to the memory of Dale and in honor of his life.

    Thank you to everyone for your constant and consistent love, care and support to Dale, Kathy and the whole family and the business, through the last five and a half months since Dale's diagnosis. Your cards always brought a smile to his face. The huge stack of cards that he kept piled next to him was a testimony to him of all the friends he had and how many people really cared. Dale, along with Kathy and the family, were truly blessed by all the acts of love and compassion shown by every one of you ! Thank you in advance for the love and support we know you will continue to shower on our family, especially Kathy and Kristie as they get back to attending shows. While "Thank You" doesn't begin to sum up our gratitude, there aren't any words that would say it adequately. Please know that each and every visit, card, letter, phone call, flower arrangement, etc., etc ., touched Dale, Kathy and all of us deeply. Special thanks to Carol, Walt, Judy, Kim and Terry for being with us as Dale passed, To Eric and Shannon for being there for Grammy and Pop Pop day and night, and thank you to the multitudes who held all of us up in prayer !

With great love and sincere appreciation,

Loving Wife - Kathy
Daughters (and spouses) - DeAnne, Dawn & David, Kristie & Jason
Grandchildren (and spouses) - Holly & JR, Eric & Shannon, Shane, Mikey, Kyle, Zach and Amy
Great Granddaughter - Lillian
Dogs - Katie, Squirt, Allegro & Charlie
GrandDogs - Kyley, Tootsie, Jasper, Shelby, Lexy & Scotti
GreatGrandDogs - Ducky, Sarge, Gunner & Bruzer

Dales obituary can be found at Reading Eagle  Online condolences can be left there.

In Lieu of flowers, Donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society or Take the Lead