Dale Koelewyn

On a recent beautiful fall day while walking around Lake Tomahawk near Rogers, Ohio with his beloved wife Patty of 39 years, Dale Allen Koelewyn, of Shaker Heights suddenly passed away. He died on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, at the age of 72.

Born the eldest of four children, Dale was the energetic son of Wilbur and Bernice Koelewyn of Beachwood. An enthusiastic and disciplined self-starter, Dale left home at an early age with every intention of realizing his dreams. While he attended local public schools and Cleveland State University, Dale found the working world more to his liking and soon began to see himself as an entrepreneur in his extra hours.

After working in management with Guinta’s Grocery Stores for years, Dale had the opportunity in 1986 to venture into his own business - Residential Asbestos Removal, Inc. Once again, because of his earlier work in renovating houses, he saw a need for asbestos removal and wanted to be part of the solution.

To do this, Dale first became certified with special removal safety training, and then starting small, began his business. But the need was so great, he soon added more workers, more training, more trucks – all of it boosting the local economy. After running his company successfully for 32 years, Dale recently said he saw himself as simply “fulfilling a need like so many entrepreneurs in this great country.” That said, when discussing the value of creating healthier living environments, he modestly added, “…It is nice to relieve people of their fears and concerns about asbestos.” His license plate “NO TOAST” referred to a slang term in the business meaning being asbestos free.

Dale rarely kept still for long, and he was a man of many interests. He annually canoed and camped with brothers-in-law, nephews and son on men’s weekend in the spring and on a long family weekend in the summer. Dale was an artist who painted and blew glass. At one point he took up curling and loved it. Always a great supporter of the arts, he often went to museum and art exhibits, the theater and the Cleveland Orchestra. At the same time he loved nothing better than joining up with friends and family to watch The Cleveland Browns.

As the business allowed more time to get away, he enthusiastically added overseas travel. Christmas cards of him and Patty taken in foreign lands soon followed. They always opened their home to an inclusive circle of friends and family with fun parties, delicious foods and great conversation.

Yet Dale’s true source of contentment and joy was the beautiful home he and Patty created at Lake Tomahawk in Rogers, Ohio where they spent endless summer days floating on the water, enjoying boat rides, playing horse shoes and having fun. Dale loved welcoming all his children’s friends as well as family and friends. While he embraced life with a strong work ethic, Dale felt it was just as important to be generous, to enjoy life and to see humor wherever he could.

Dale simply loved his family. He was the devoted husband to Patty Reilly Koelewyn and beloved father of Jennifer Koelewyn, Julie Koelewyn Seguin (Chris), Daniel Reilly Koelewyn, Emily Reilly Koelewyn – and granddaughters Kathryn Seguin and Hailey Seguin.

Survivors also include his mother Bernice Koelewyn, formerly of Beachwood, brothers Gary Koelewyn, Kenny Koelewyn (Debbie) and sister Janice Koelewyn.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Nov. 13th, at Brown-Forward Funeral Home from 5 – 7:00 PM. A Prayer Service will be held at St. Dominic’s Church on Van Aken at 11:00 AM the next morning on Wednesday, Nov. 14th, followed by a gathering of friends and family at the Koelewyn home, 17603 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights.