Dale Howard Spaulding, 71, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, in Baldwin County, Alabama.

He was born on April 7, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Neal and Hazel Spaulding. Dale began a life of entrepreneurship at the tender age of seven, when he sold sweet corn from his little red wagon. He had many careers since then, including working at the Star Tribune, bar owner, real estate agent, InstyPrints franchiser, owner of a weed harvesting and, most recently, an options trader. Dale served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

Dale moved to the Brainerd Lakes area in the last 1970s. He married Connie (Fischer) Spaulding on Nov. 25, 1979. Dale enjoyed outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing in the Minnesota winters. Spring would usher in summer fun – golfing, boating and fishing. With fall, hunting season kept Dale busy in the woods and fields. Three wonderful sons completed the family. Dale and Connie moved part-time to Gulf Shores, Alabama, in 2005 and immediately fell in love with the area, community and lifestyle. His business card described him as a professional golfer; he was an avid golfer throughout his life and sometimes made a dollar or two on the course.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, Neal A. Spaulding; mother, Hazel M. (Anderson) Spaulding; and brother, Dean Spaulding.

Survivors include his wife, Connie; sons, Dustin, Tyler and Timothy; sister, Debra (Spaulding) Kosmas; brothers and sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces; his dog, Maggie; and many loving friends.

A remembrance gathering was held on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, in the Arnold Palmer Room at Craft Farms.