Dale Earnest Louk

Dale Earnest Louk, age 86, passed away peacefully into his Lord and Savior's hands on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Central Washington Hospital. Born on the same date, August 22, 1937, in Hardin, Montana, to Earnest Lavell and Faye Evelyn Louk, he attended Coulee City and Chelan High schools where he played football, baseball and basketball. He was a member of the of the Chelan "Goats" Washington State Class B football championship team in 1954 during his senior year. Dale went on to play four years of college football and graduated from Central Washington College with a Bachelor of Education degree. Later he earned a Master of Business Administration degree at Arizona State University while serving as an officer in the US Air Force. Dale earned several commendations and attained the rank of Colonel during his distinguished career in the Air Force while serving 23 years as a Supply Operations officer. On July 18, 1959, he married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, Bunnie Hurst and they remained married for 64 years. Dale and Bunnie had great adventures living in several places during his time in the military including an assignment in France as well as Amarillo, TX, Memphis, TN, Tempe, AZ, but primarily raised his family in Colorado Springs, CO, and Anchorage, AK, where he retired in 1983. After leaving the military, he continued to serve the people of our country by working for the Alaska State Troopers as Director of Resource Management until 1993. Dale and Bunnie moved from Alaska to East Wenatchee, WA, in 2001, while spending winters in San Antonio TX, and Casa Grande, AZ. Dale was a man of integrity and strength who always put his family first. His greatest joy was to take his family camping and fishing as well as watch his two sons play sports. He left a legacy of education, hard work and family values. He adored his grand-kids and loved when they visited. Dale also enjoyed reminiscing at family gatherings with his brothers and sister Wayne, Melvin and Nadine. It was great fun to hear them banter and laugh at each other. He also had a special bond with his brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Linda Hurst, who live nearby and are a great help. Dale will be sorely missed by many. Dale is survived by his wife Bunnie; son Stephen Earnest (Kimberly) Louk, Grandkids Rachelle (Ted) Shreve and Courtney Louk; and three great grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and son, Ronald Dale Louk. Dale will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park in East Wenatchee with full military honors during a graveside ceremony on a date yet to be determined. The family would like to thank Dr. Toby Long for the many years of taking care of Dale and friendship that developed and to the staff at Central Washington Hospital for the exceptional care he received.

Dale Earnest Louk

August 22, 1937 - August 22, 2023