Dale M. Walters, 90, Wasilla, AK, formerly of Beltrami, MN, died Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Palmer, AK.

Dale Merle Walters was born on November 18, 1924, to Lawrence and Ellen (Moe) Walters in Crookston, MN. Dale attended country grade school near his parent's farm in Onstad Township. He graduated from Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, in 1942. That same year enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he completed his college equivalency exams and qualified for flight training. He received his "flying wings" and served as an instructor for most of his remaining active duty years. He flew such aircraft as the Stearman, AT-6, P-40, P-51, P-38 and B-17. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1946, he was a member of the National Guard until 1959, when he was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant.

Dale and Lois Johnson, who had met during their high school years, were married March 26, 1946, at Dale's parent's farm. Dale and Lois lived at the Walters farm where Dale farmed with his father and began an aerial spraying business. Over the years, Dale did a lot of crop spraying in the local area and later would expand his business to include charter, air ambulance, and flight instruction service. Dale's love of flying was exhibited by his teaching several local residents to fly, helping establish the still existing Fertile Flying Club, and encouraging aviation in the community.

In 1969, Dale and Lois moved to California where Dale continued his flying career. In 1981, Dale and Lois moved to Alaska. Dale again continued his flying career operating his own fixed base operation and later was employed as a bush pilot, instructor and check pilot covering operations in Alaska from Anchorage to Pt. Barrow to Kotzebue. Dale was known to encourage young aviators and for promoting safe operations. His accident free professional flying career ended in 1992, as a result of a near fatal automobile accident in Fairbanks, Alaska.

A highlight of Dale's time in Alaska was enjoying from their birth, his grandsons Lance and Leif. He, along with his son, Larry, taught them both to fly. He inspired their interests, encouraged their efforts and imparted his love and respect of family, friends, and of course, aviation to them. In more recent years Dale and Lois resided in a residential aviation community in Alaska where Dale was able to share his expertise and knowledge after thousands of hours of accident free flying with those who shared his love of aviation. Dale enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work and being with his family and constant 4 legged companion, Molly.

Dale is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lois, their son, Larry (Karen) of Wasilla, and two grandsons, Lance and Leif. Surviving siblings are his sister, Charlene Stromstad, Beltrami, MN, and brother, Melvin Walters, Sacramento, CA, in addition to several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ellen, and James Johnson (Lois' brother whom Dale and Lois raised from age 2).

Memorial Service: 11:00AM, Friday, October 30, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Beltrami, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the church.

Burial: Hafslo Cemetery, rural Beltrami, MN.