Obituary of Dale E. Seipp Sr.

Dale E. Seipp, Sr. was born September 4, 1945 in Salem, Oregon to Kenneth and Blanche Seipp. He attended schools in Salem, graduating from South Salem High School in 1963. Dale attended the University of Oregon briefly before transferring to Northwest Christian College, also in Eugene, Oregon. While getting his ministerial training, Dale met Kathleen (Kathie) McLarrin. They were married on July 16, 1966. Dale graduated from NCC in 1968. At that time, Dale was youth minister at the First Christian Church in Newberg, Oregon. While serving there, Dale and Kathie became parents to Dale, Jr. Later that year, Dale accepted a call as minister at the Oceanlake Christian Chuch in Lincoln City. Dale also served on the Lincoln City Reserve Police Force. Dale was instrumental in building an addition on the church while there. In 1970, their second son, Darrin was born. Dale felt the need for seminary training and moved the family to Johnson City, Tennessee to attend Emmanuel School of Religion. They moved on faith as Dale had yet to try out at, and receive the call from, the Lynnwood Christian Church in Johnson City. After only one year of training, the family moved back to Oregon following the death of Dale’s mom. They landed in Newberg again where Dale did some apprentice work at Attrell’s Funeral Home, owned by very close friends. In February of 1972, Dale moved the family to Everett, Washington to accept the call from the Evergreen Christian Church. Once again, the congregation grew and needed to add on to the building. Dale led the members of the church in adding on two buildings to house classrooms and an office. The Seipp family also added on with the birth of Daleen in 1973. While in Everett, Dale was able to enjoy a tour of the Holy Lands. In later years, he led two more tours, helping many travelers to a better understanding of the Bible. The summer of 1977 meant a move to Portland, Oregon where Dale became the minister of the Parkrose Christian Church. He served in this position for twelve years. Dale was able to complete his Master’s degree in theology at Warner Pacific College and also earned his funeral director’s license. Dale traveled on his days off to hold seminars across the country. He held workshops for ministers and funeral directors encouraging them to work together to meet the needs of grieving families. He also shared with ministers how to make services personal in order to honor the deceased rather than use it to preach at people. He wrote several brochures on grief and bereavement. Dale experienced a time of “burn out” and switched ministries from the church to funeral service. For many years, Dale worked in or managed several funeral establishments in the Portland area as well as in Lynnwood, Washington. Eventually, Dale returned to the pastorate at The Church at Rockwood in Portland. Dale retired in 2016 due to Alzheimer’s Disease. He passed from this life to his Heavenly home on August 14, 2020 while under Hospice care at home. Dale had been diagnosed with Lymphoma ten days earlier. Dale loved our Lord and Savior, his family, and his many friends. Dale is survived by his wife, Kathie; children: Dale and Dana Seipp, Darrin and Julie Seipp, Daleen McElhaney; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother K.L. Seipp. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Rick McElhaney. Private viewing and graveside service will be held.