Dale Narlock
Dale Narlock, a deeply cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and beloved member of his community, passed away peacefully and suddenly in his sleep on June 9, 2026, at the home where he was raised in rural Alvarado, Minnesota. Born on May 14, 1958, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Dale lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and hard work, and those who knew him felt the strength of his steady presence every day.
Dale was born to Andrew Michael and Seline Audrey (Rogalla) Narlock and grew up on the family farm west of Alvarado, where wheat, beans, and livestock were raised. It was there that he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility. He graduated from Alvarado High School in 1976 and went on to attend lineman school in Wadena, Minnesota.
Dale’s work ethic began as a boy on the family farm west of Alvarado, where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age. He also worked at the gas station in Alvarado before continuing his education at lineman school in Wadena, Minnesota. Dale began his career with the Thief River Falls Electrical Department on July 1, 1978. There, his dedication and commitment led to his promotion to Electrical Superintendent on April 26, 1995. A true public servant, he embraced his coworkers as family and held them close to his heart. His leadership extended beyond his immediate role through his service on the MMUA, NMPA, and Minnkota boards, as well as his participation with the Division of Labor & Industry in St. Paul.
In addition to his public service, Dale owned and operated Narlock’s Tree Trimming business for many years.
Dale’s life was defined not only by his work, but by his deep love for his family. At the drive-in theater in Warren in 1975, he met the love of his life, Lori Ann Lenhart. They were married on September 30, 1978, at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Warren, Minnesota, and together they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. Dale and Lori raised three wonderful children, Stacy (Terry) Olson, Branden (Bobbi) Narlock, and Ashley Narlock. Their grandchildren Brady, Brynn, Bryce, Shay, and Briggs were the center of Dale’s world.
Those who knew Dale remember a man who was always there when help was needed. If there was a project to do, a roof to shingle, snow to plow, or a chicken coop to build, there was Dale, offering his time, strength, and know-how without hesitation. He worked hard, as he had been taught from a young age, but no matter how busy he was, he always made time to help the people he loved. His quiet strength and guiding hand will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
His greatest joy was found in the laughter and activities of his children and grandchildren. Through rain and snow, he faithfully attended their games and events, cheering them on from the stands and taking in every moment with pride. Dale cherished family gatherings at Lake of the Woods and Rainy River, where stories were shared, bonds grew stronger, and he always believed the lake had the perfect walleye chop, no matter the conditions. He also enjoyed deer hunting and was proud to have taken his largest ten-point buck last fall. Whether playing pinochle or shaking dice with his mother and family, Dale treasured the simple traditions and time spent with the people he loved.
Beyond family, Dale was a pillar of his community. He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls and was active in the TRF Archery Club, where he served on the board of directors. He also enjoyed golfing, ice fishing, and fishing, all of which kept him connected to nature and to the people he loved.
Dale is survived by his loving wife, Lori of Thief River Falls; his three devoted children and their spouses; his treasured grandchildren; his mother, Seline Narlock; his siblings, Myron (Debra) Narlock, Randy (Cynthia) Narlock, Sharon (Bryan) Martens, Gaylene (Darrin) Johnson, Kristin (Kyle) Olson, and Darin (Stefanie) Narlock; his sister-in-law, Dawn (Lynn) Packer; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Narlock; his father and mother-in-law, Donald and Bernice Lenhart; his sister-in-law, Voni Safranski; and many other dear family members and friends.
A Mass honoring Dale’s life will be held on June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota. Father Craig Vasek will preside, Father Bryan Kujawa, Father Xavier Ilango and Father Tim Bushy will concelebrate. Friends and family will gather to celebrate a man whose life was marked by kindness, hard work, and deep love for others. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow the service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
Dale Narlock will be remembered for his quiet strength, his generous heart, and the steady, guiding hand he gave to his family and to so many others. His life was a gift to those who knew him, and his memory will be carried forward with love, gratitude, and pride.
