Dale Richard Christman

Dale Richard “Sonny” Christman, 84, of Allegan, Michigan, died on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Kauhale of Otsego Assisted Living, where he had resided for 10 months with hospice care during the final 3 months. 

Dale was born on November 22, 1938, in Allegan, the son of Dale Kenneth Christman and Ethel (Stibal) Christman.

Dale was a lifelong resident of Allegan along with his wife, Susanna “Sue” Christman for their entire married life of 59 years. While they both were very active in the community, Dale especially enjoyed his years in the Allegan Jaycees, as well as the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club, of which he earned the status of lifetime membership.  Dale loved spending time out in the community, and many knew him as “Santa”. Dale started his career at Reds Motor Parts before moving to Daleidens in Kalamazoo, where he became part owner of the company. Dale was a very creative and talented craftsmen and eventually started his own business, Dale Christman Upholstering and Furniture Stripping.  Dale loved collecting and restoring classic cars. Dale loved spending time with family, and in his spare time he enjoyed painting and drawing. 

Dale is survived by his four children, Nicholas and Susan Christman, Stacey (Christman) and Michael Pniewski, Timothy and Amy Christman, Karen (Christman) and Brian O’Shaughnessey, as well as grandchildren, Chase (and Julie), Wesley (and Courtney), Katherine, Elizabeth, Landria (and Parker), Livia (and fiancé Izaak), Ian and Jennifer, Kevin (and Julia) and two great granddaughters, Lydia and Natasha. Dale also happily learned shortly before his death of the birth of his first great grandson, Elias, of Wesley and his wife Courtney.

Dale is also survived by his only sibling, sister Shirley (Christman) Milbocker and her daughter, Michelle (and Jeff) Koster, as well as many Christman and Marcinek relatives.

Per Dale’s wishes he has been cremated and will be buried alongside his wife Sue in a private burial service on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Dale also wanted a party to celebrate his life with family and friends, and his children ask that you please mark your calendars to join us that same day for an open house from 1 pm to 4 pm at The Silo, 1071 32nd St (M40 S), Allegan, Michigan.

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