By Audrey Kingstrom
Dale Handeen, former HumanistsMN Board member (2010-2015) and lifelong humanist, died on Oct. 1 after a struggle with cancer. Born and raised in rural, western Minnesota by an ardent humanist family on the prairie, Dale maintained close ties to the region, her extended family, and to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Willmar throughout her life. A memorial service will be held there for Dale on Dec. 1.
True to humanist values, Dale was a life-long learner, an outspoken feminist, an educator, lover of the arts, and a most compassionate person. In 2007, Dale graduated from the Humanist Institute (an affiliate of the American Humanist Association) with fellow HMN member Suzanne Perry and became a Humanist Celebrant. Suzanne and a couple of other Humanist Institute classmates wrote this in a tribute to Dale:
“While four of us brought the practical arts of journalism, classroom teaching, public speaking, and science to the group, Dale Handeen represented the fine arts through her ability to appreciate and express beauty. We all remember the beautiful tapestry-like garment that she created as her final project and wore to our graduation. It embodied an underlying artistic and spiritual quality expressed through traditional women’s dress and rituals. We also remember her love of music and beautiful singing voice.”
Dale also expressed her love of singing by participating in HMN’s Winter Solstice Follies when she was a member.
While Dale lived in Minneapolis, she served as religious education director for a small humanist Unitarian congregation for a few years, substitute taught in the public schools, and was active in community affairs. I served with Dale on the HumanistsMN Board for four years and appreciated her candor and grace, her knowledge of humanist history and programming suggestions, as well as her friendship. A few years ago, Dale returned to rural Minnesota to care for her ailing parents.
Learn more about Dale in this obituary.
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