Dale Pexa

Dale Pexa, age 73, of Elko, died suddenly at his home on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015.  Dale was born July 20, 1941 in New Prague to Francis J. & Julia I. (Smisek) Pexa.  He grew up in rural Elko and attended Jordan Public Schools and entered the US Army National Guard in 1959.  On October 17, 1964, Dale married Frances Elizabeth Von Bank in Lakeville, MN.  Dale farmed for 60 years and Fran joined him in 1964, operating 2 farms for many of those years; he also worked as a cement contractor for 45 years.  His greatest passion was music and as a musician, he started the Dale Pexa Band in 1963.  He loved to sit and write music and entertained countless groups throughout his lifetime.  He was a member of the Czech Area Concertina Club and was inducted into the World Concertina Hall of Fame.  Dale was a consummate “people-person”, loving not only telling stories, but lending an ear to those needing one.  He had the ability to turn a bad day into a good one with his gentle nature and quick wit. Family was top priority in his life and he took a genuine interest in his grandsons, giving them the gift of his time.

Dale is survived by his wife, Fran of Elko; daughter, Franny Kvam of Elko; son, Dale F. (& Heidi) Pexa of Prior Lake; 4 grandchildren; sisters, Donna (& Roman) Moravec of Lonsdale, Judy (& Jim) Doherty of Burnsville; brothers, Richard Pexa of Shieldsville, Frankie (& Georgette) Pexa of Elko.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis & Julia (Smisek) Pexa; grandson, Alex Kvam.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague with Father Kevin Clinton officiating.  Visitation will take place Wednesday from 3 – 8 PM and Thursday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Lunch will follow Mass at the Park Ballroom in New Prague and burial will occur at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Lakeville at 2:00 PM where military honors will be conducted.