By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Dale Stanley Steichen
c55734_1.png

Dale Stanley Steichen, age 67, passed away on December 22, 2021 at his home in Vonore, TN. Dale grew up in Turlock, CA, where he attended Sacred Heart and Turlock High School (Class of 1972). He was a talented member of the original Turlock Aquatic Club and THS swim team and was active in Forensics and THS student government (forever fighting for open campuses and changes to the dress code). Dale’s early jobs working at the Turlock city pools and waste water treatment plant led to a career in chemistry. He received his bachelor’s degree from California State College Stanislaus in 1976 and his PhD in Organic Chemistry from UCLA in 1981. He began his career with Clorox, where he became an expert in surfactant chemistry. In 1991, Dale, and his wife Sandy, moved to the east coast following a job offer from Akzo Nobel, where he would spend the remainder of his career.  Dale’s position as Vice President of Research and Development led him to live and travel around the world, where he left his mark in the world of science, publishing numerous scientific articles and patents. He will be remembered for his smile, his stories, his laugh, his energy, his intellect, his hugs, and his huge heart.  He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sandy Steichen, his two daughters, Stephanie Steichen (Ben Thompson) and Samantha Steichen (Devin Finch), his sisters and brother, Diana Knudsen(Ted), Sherry Lumley (Butch Ergen), and Mark Steichen (Laura Puffer).  Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marjorie (Henderson) Steichen. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Contributions in Dale’s memory can be made to The Gary Sinise Foundation and condolences shared at www.rosefuneraltn.com/obituaries/Dale-Steichen-2/.