Obituary of Dale T. Wehmhoff

NORWALK, CONN

Dale Thomas Wehmhoff passed away on November 7th, 2018 in Norwalk Hospital at the age of 57.

He was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1964 and moved with his family to Westport in 1967. Dale attended Westport schools where he played basketball, baseball and ice hockey, graduating from Staples High School in 1979.

It was his love of ice hockey, in particular, which led him to an assistant coaching job at the age of 18 with Staples High School and there after as a head coach with Norwalk High School. A few short years later, Coach Dale took the Norwalk team to the state championship final, cementing his lifelong passion for coaching in the Fairfield County region.

In 1990, Dale married Cheryl Anderson of Darien, CT, his wife of 28 years, and together they raised two wonderful children, daughter Kelcie and son Kyle, residing in Norwalk, CT.

He was a 31 year employee of the Town of Westport, Department of Public Works, and also managed a small landscaping business where he employed many friends and high school students.

During his hockey years he also had a love for softball where he played on numerous teams and many tournaments through the country. His softball family has become a second family for life, never forgetting the memories.

With 40 years of coaching experience, Dale was well-respected in the hockey community for his dedication to and talent for coaching at the youth, high school and juniors levels. His gregarious personality and commitment to developing his players not only into solid athletes but also responsible young adults was appreciated by players and parents alike, and the friendships he formed as a result were long lasting. Dale enjoyed giving back to his community and, after his father's passing, he took over his father's cherished role of 'Santa' during the holiday season, continuing to spread warmth and happiness to others less fortunate.

His greatest source of pride was not the wins-vs-losses or championships won, it was his children. Those closest to Dale will forever remember his love and devotion to his family, inspiring and supporting both his daughter and son with their own coaching endeavors: Kelcie is head cheerleading coach for Brien McMahon High School and the youth league, and Kyle is the assistant hockey coach for the Connecticut Junior Whalers. A loyal and cherished friend to so many, Dale's larger-than-life personality and generous heart will be held close and long remembered.

In addition to his immediate family, Dale is survived by his mother, Marlene Wehmhoff of Westport, CT; sister, Marilyn Gula of Delray Beach, FL.; brother Wayne Wehmhoff and wife Jennifer of Westport; mother, brother and sister in-law Elaine, Darren and Debra Anderson, his nieces and nephews Bryan Eakin his wife Lindsey, and daughter McKenna; Megan and Matthew Anderson, Elaine and Robert Wehmhoff; as well as a large, loving extended family. Dale was predeceased by his father, Ralph W. Wehmhoff of Westport.

Calling Hours will be on Sunday, November 18th from 2:00 to 6:00 at Harding Funeral Home, Westport. Services will take place at Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 19th. Interment will be here at Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.

 In lieu of flowers, a scholarship in Dale's memory is being established. Scholarship donations can be made to Kelcie or Kyle Wehmhoff, C/O Wells Fargo Advisors, 450 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880.