Dale L. Coenen

Dale L. Coenen, 85 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Pierz Villa in Pierz, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., at Holy Family Catholic Church in Belle Prairie, MN, with Father Patrick Hoeft officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 A.M., prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Adelbert's Cemetery south of Little Falls. Caring for Dale and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls. Dale was born on September 25, 1940 in Little Falls, MN to the late Gladys (Booth) Coenen and Leo Coenen. Growing up Dale loved to hunt and fish with his father and uncle Billy, as well as spending summers on his grandparent’s farm in Swan River Township, helping out with chores, especially enjoying harvest time festivities. In his teenage years, an industrious young Dale shined shoes at Camp Ripley, had a job delivering furniture, and sold cars for a local Little Falls dealership owned by Ray Smith. In 1958 Dale graduated from Little Falls high school and joined the army, but not before meeting the love of his life, Marlis Thielen. The two of them were united in marriage on September 28, 1963. Dale and Marlis had two children, Amy and Mike, the four of them spending a lot of time together over the years boating, swimming, skiing, and going on family vacations. In 1992, Dale retired from the Army National Guard after over thirty-years of service, spending much of his time four-wheeling, snowmobiling, fishing and hunting, as well as going to garage sales and auctions along with his beloved wife, Marlis. With the encouragement of daughter, Amy, Dale also found time to start a small picture-frame business in his retirement, using repurposed barn wood, selling his wares throughout the Little Falls and Brainerd Lakes Area. Dale’s later years saw his activities limited by various health issues, which Dale fought hard with much grace and perseverance, a man who was very much loved by family and friends, and will be sorely missed. Left to cherish Dale’s memory are his wife, Marlis Coenen of 63 years; children, Amy (David) Main, Michael Coenen; grandchildren, Emily (Reed) Lothert, Taylor (Blair) Main, Mickey Coenen, and Leo Coenen; great-grandchildren, Max, Maeva, and Margaux Lothert, T.J., and Marla Main. Preceding him in death are his parents, Leo and Gladys Coenen; and sister, Johnita Dickson.

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Dale L. Coenen

September 25, 1940 - January 17, 2026