Dr. Dale Herder, O.D.

October 29, 1948 – September 10, 2021

An only child, Dale was born in Yates Center, Kansas on October 29, 1948 to Lloyd and Helen Herder. A relentless wit, Dale would explain: "Why have another child when they already had perfection!" Dale grew up in Yates Center and graduated from Yates Center High School in 1966, before studying at Neosho County Community College. In 1968 he enrolled at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. As a student optometrist Dale met his future wife, Denise, a patient that was assigned to him in July 1971. From that first appointment, their attraction flourished.

In June 1972 Dale graduated from optometry school with honors. On August 1, 1972, Dale joined Dr. E.J. Kluender's Optometric Practice in Yates Center, a partnership that lasted until Dr. Kluender's retirement in the 1980s. Dr. Kluender and Dale shortly opened a satellite office in Burlington. It was here that Dale began establishing his own patient family, where Dale served the people of Coffey County and surrounding towns for 48 years. Dale truly loved his work and patients and hoped never to retire. Unfortunately, during a routine heart surgery in January 2019, Dale was unknowingly exposed to a rare and deadly infection that would ultimately claim his life. Nevertheless, Dale continued to see patients until his physical strength failed. With great sorrow, Dale ended the career he loved on September 30, 2020. He battled courageously to continue to live for his family until the Lord called him home.

Dale married Denise Muscari on December 30, 1973 in Memphis. On April 22, 1981, they were blessed with twin sons, Barry Lynn, of Rogers, Arkansas, and Brian Lane, of Topeka. Dale leaves his wife, Denise, sons Barry, Brian, (Courtney), and four grandchildren: Evelyn Herder and Baby Boy Herder (due February 2022), and Isabella and Elijah Vazquez, all of Topeka.

Dale was a devoted and loving husband and father. He delighted in being involved with youth activities as a T-Ball and Little League coach when the boys were young. He loved to travel and share experiences he had when he was growing up. Dale particularly enjoyed fishing, calligraphy, gardening, and carpentry. He was a jokester and never took himself too seriously. We treasure our memories of our many vacations and unique experiences. He blessed our family with love and generosity throughout his life. He had a generous heart to all people in need.

Dale was an active member of First Baptist Church in Burlington. He had the privilege of teaching Sunday School to our COF members for many years. He particularly enjoyed the Fall Celebration children's recreation activities in October. He has always been a kid at heart and loved to play games.

Dale was a lifelong member of the American Optometric Association and Kansas Optometric Association. He was a member of the Lion's Club and Coffey County Chamber of Commerce.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Lion's Club, Samaritan Purse.org, to Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH.org), or donor's choice in his memory.

A Celebration of Dale's life will be held Saturday, September 18th @ 11:30 am, First Baptist Church, Burlington