Dale Neppel , age 82 of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Mayo Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dale Michael Neppel was born on September 18, 1943 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Gerald & Helen (Souter) Neppel. He was the second of their five sons. They moved to East Grand Forks when his dad took a job with the city. Dale attended Sacred Heart Schools where he met the love of his life, Judy Driscoll. He was recruited by the University of North Dakota to play football in the fall of 1961. He spent some of his greatest times and met some of his best friends while playing UND Football. Dale played center and linebacker for 4 years. He became a starter his sophomore year and was a co-captain as a senior. While playing football, he earned both a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree from UND.

Dale and Judy were married on August 20th, 1966. They both took jobs in Devils Lake, North Dakota, and were there for five years. While there, their daughter, Melissa, was born. They moved to East Grand Forks to accept positions in the community. He spent his career-life as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Northwest Technical College. Dale was always a great advocate of education and student success.

Dale loved all things sports, especially UND Football! He loved gardening, grilling, and anything sports related. Some of his best memories were made at Kabekona Lake. In retirement, Dale and Judy spent time in Arizona, but he truly loved spending time with his family and friends. Dale loved his wife and daughter most of all. He was a great man of faith, love, and kindness.

Dale is survived by his wife, Judy; their daughter, Melissa; and brothers, Dan, James, and Jay. He is also survived by several nieces & nephews; as well as great-nieces & nephews whom he loved very much and took a great interest in anything they did, as well as celebrating their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald & Helen; and brother, John.

VISITATION at 10:00 AM, with MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Sacred Heart Foundation.