Dale Robert Elston was born on August 9, 1943, in Windom, Minnesota to the late Robert Keith and Margaret Johanna (Jensen) Elston. He received his early education at the Great Bend Country School and the String Lakes Country School. Dale then attended Windom Public Schools, graduating in the Class of 1961. Dale enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1964 and returned to Windom. In 1966, Dale was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Kaufman. Barbara passed away unexpectedly in 1967. On January 25, 1969, Dale was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Dwight at the American Lutheran Church in Windom. This marriage was blessed with three children, Randall, Robin and Rhonda. Through the years, Dale was a crop and cattle farmer until retirement and then drove truck for GRM. Dale was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Windom. He also belonged to many civic organizations including, 4-H member where he was an adult leader and softball coach, the Cottonwood County Beef Producers where he was cattleman of the year in 1996, Oddfellows IOOF Lodge and served for 14 years as a Springfield Town board member. Dale will be remembered as a soft-hearted man and had many enjoyments in life which included, love of land, the clouds, the moon, his animals, and his family, especially his grandchildren. Recently, Dale had been in and out of the hospital and was most recently hospitalized at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he passed away on Thursday evening, May 7, 2020 at the age of 76 years. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-one years, Barbara Ann Elston of Windom; three children, Randall (Krisi Berning) of Jackson; Robin (Tim) Snyder of Windom; Rhonda (Austin Crowell) Elston of Windom; seven grandchildren, Emma, Joseph, Johanna, Willah, Corah Jo, Chloe and Colton; sister, Kathleen (Jim) Glidden of Windom; Brother, David (Juane) Elston of Windom; brothers-in-law, Robert (Jannath) Dwight of Plymouth; Brian (Robyn) Dwight of Waskish; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and Arthur the Dog. Dale is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara Jean; one brother, Joe Elston and three nephews. Blessed be the memory of Dale Robert Elston. A private family service will be held on Saturday, May 16th at the First United Methodist Church in Windom with Pastor Mike McInnis officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #206 of Windom outside the church following the service. Burial will be in Springfield Township Cemetery in rural Windom. Anyone from the public that wants to attend the burial may meet in the First United Methodist Church parking lot at 2:00 PM on Saturday. Attendees will be advised to stay in their vehicles and practice social distance. A public drive through visitation will be held on Friday, May 15th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM outside the First United Methodist Church in Windom. Attendees will be asked to stay inside their vehicles and practice social distance.