Dale Roger Klugman, 86, passed into the presence of his Savior and Lord, Jesus, on February 25, 2021, in Camarillo, California.
Born on June 16, 1934, in Ottawa Illinois, Dale was the youngest son of Robert and Eleda Klugman. Growing up in Ottawa, he enjoyed his early years spending time along the Illinois River, where boating, shooting and hunting, were a few of his favorite past times. Dale excelled in school, with a great love for music, and graduated with honors from Ottawa High School.
While attending Purdue University on an NROTC Program Scholarship, Dale was a member of the ‘All Navy Pistol Team’ winning the National Pistol Team Trophy in 1954. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Dale entered into his first career as a U.S. Naval Aviator. He received a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering while at the US Naval Postgraduate School in Carmel, CA. It was here that Dale married Natalia, a red headed beauty and they remained together for 50 years until her passing in 2013.
Dale’s naval career included assignments as an attack aircraft pilot; deploying to Vietnam, flying the (then) new E-2A Hawkeye AWAC radar plane aboard the USS Kittyhawk. And as a Project Officer to NavAir, Washington DC. In 1969 Dale returned to San Diego where, as Program Manager for ‘Project Bee-Line,’ he was awarded the Legion of Merit medal. Shortly thereafter retiring from active duty.
Dale retired to work for a higher command. In 1978, he earned a Master of Divinity Degree, from Talbot Seminary, and was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Eventually becoming the Senior Pastor to Rose Ave Baptist Church of Yorba Linda.
In 1998 Dale returned back to Camarillo, for his final career as Grandfather, and where he also served as Executive Pastor to Camarillo Community Church. After the passing of Natalia in 2013, Dale remarried a longtime family friend and widow, Vivian Skinner, who stayed by his side until passing.
He loved sharing memories of his youthful escapades and military experiences with family and friends. Spending time with his grandchildren was a highlight, along with visiting the shooting range, eating lunch on the pier, and visiting the theatre, as he always appreciated fine music. Most importantly, Dale cherished the opportunity to share the gospel and his relationship with Jesus Christ.
Dale is survived by his children, Diane Grentzer, Richard Grentzer & Margaret Connelly; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Warren Klugman and sister, Eleda Kaminky; also by his current wife, Vivian Klugman of seven years; his step-children, Brent Yahn, Tavin Yahn, Tamara Wiseman, Pamela Evanston & Todd Yahn. His brother, Robert Klugman; and son, John Grentzer preceded him in death in 2015.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Camarillo Community Church. Please use this link to view the live feed: youtu.be/IYvpAE013Kg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale's name to Camarillo Community Church.
...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director