SGM (Retired) Dale Darwin Spitzer, age 88 of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday August 11, 2016 at his home.
He was born June 17, 1928 in Vanceburg, Wisconsin to the late Paul Spitzer and Lottie Spitzer. He was also preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Gloria B. Vandevelde Spitzer; daughter Tamara Rookstool; sister Geraldine Becker; and brothers Forest Spitzer and Russel Spitzer.
He married Gloria B. Vandevelde in 1950 with whom he had two children, Tamara E. Rookstool and Duane R. Spitzer of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Virginia Dandeneau Spitzer; son Duane Spitzer; and grandchildren, Samantha Spitzer, Pablo Spitzer, Alex Spitzer (Heather), Nick Rookstool (Jackie), thirteen step-grandchildren; great grandson, Rylan Rookstool; and twenty-two step-grandchildren.
He proudly served over 27 years and is a veteran of WWII and Vietnam. Aside from serving with the 101st Airborne Division, which was nearest and dearest to his heart, he also served with the 11th Airborne and 82nd Airborne. Following his retirement, he served 16 years for Civil Service at Fort Campbell, KY.
Burial will be Monday, August 15, at 2:00 PM, at Fort Donelson National Cemetery, with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made, in Dale’s honor, to the Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.