Dale M. Risser

Dale M. Risser, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 73.

Dale enjoyed 53 years of marriage with the love of his life, Patricia L. (Maser) Risser, raising four children and sharing with all of them his love of steam engines, metal fabrication, mechanics, reading, fishing, and carpentry. Dale is also remembered for spending his time and talents generously as a member of Pine Grove Church in Bowmansville, especially as a mentor to young adventurers in the Trail Life program at the church. Born in Frystown, Lebanon County, he was the son of the late Mahlon and Anna Mae (Edris) Risser. The third oldest of eight children, Dale was always fond of tinkering and showing others how mechanical things worked – always taking things apart and putting them back together again, while teaching others in the process. This skill, paired with his lifelong role as a hobby machinist, served him well in his employment as an engineer with Food Craft and Perdue, earning 12 patents to his name. After his time in the food industry, Dale worked at MGS Trailers as a Mechanical Designer for 37 years. Dale was also fond of traveling to see friends at the farm, having adventures on railways, watching airplanes, exploring museums, and appreciating nature. His fascination with inventions was infectious, and he was always in the process of building something. The most important things he built in his lifetime were relationships with family and friends—sharing in joy and trials—and his kindness in words and actions are undoubtedly the thing we will miss the most.

In addition to his wife, Dale is survived by his four children and their spouses: Matthew K., husband of Amber B. Risser of Pottstown; Timothy L., husband of Marie E. Risser of Hummelstown; Lorie E., wife of Cory L. Nguyen of East Earl; and Richard M., husband of Rachel C. Szoke of Reinholds. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren—Brooke, Owen, Brayden, Brianna, Benelli, Drake, Sabrial, Elliott, Mitchell, Alexander and Ryan—as well as his siblings: one brother, Ronald, husband of Jean Risser of Denver; and six sisters: Linda, wife of Richard Lytle (deceased) of DE; Sharon, wife of Kenneth Steiner, Jr. of East Earl; Patty, wife of Robert Highley of Denver; Beverly, wife of Robert Miller of Knauers; Brenda, wife of John Bienlein of MI; and Marjorie, wife of Michael Senhouse of SC.

Dale’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 8, at 11:00 A.M. at Pine Grove Church, 1194 Reading Road, Bowmansville, PA, with subsequent interment in the adjoining church cemetery. Friends may greet the family at the church on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dale’s name to the Trail Life program at Pine Grove Church.