Dale Zollman

Dale Zollman of Boise, Idaho peacefully passed away on Friday September 13, 2024, while watching golf on TV. Dale loved all sports, especially Boise State football, as he lived for each game and couldn’t wait for football season to begin. 

Dale was born and raised in Enterprise, OR, to Erval and Cathern Zollman. The family moved to Boise in 1959 where he attended Boise Junior College and joined the Idaho Air National Guard as a part time technician. During this time, Dale met and married Margaret Hellstern on December 27, 1961, they were blessed with two children, Ann, and Mick and shared 61 years of marriage. 

Dale joined the Idaho Air National Guard full time in 1964 and completed his college degree from Boise State University during this time. His military career began as an F-86L Weapons Mechanic and progressed to Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Weapons and Logistics Plans. Dale’s outstanding ability, intelligence, and tenacity was recognized by becoming Commissioned as an Officer with the assignment of Officer in Charge of 124th Fighter Wing Logistics and Mobility. He made great improvements in many areas, including Logistics Plans, Mobility, Accounting and Finance. Leading to the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel, as a 124th Fighter Wing Support Group Commander with 36 years of service and retiring in 1995.

Upon retiring, Dale and Margaret traveled to warmer climates during the winter and finally settled on Yuma, AZ, to be their winter destination. He enjoyed his winters, but the summers were his best times. He loved their cabin in Crouch, ID, where they loved to golf and visit the upstairs bar at Terrace Lakes. Over the years they shared many fabulous times with family and friends on the deck at the cabin, with unbelievable conversations and an abundant amount of laughter during those times. 

Dale loved and adored his family and was very proud of each of their accomplishments. His family all loved, adored and respected him and his advice, especially any financial decisions. Dale was the solid rock of the family and will truly be forever missed.

Dale is survived by his wife, Margaret and their children, daughter Ann Fortin of Middleton, ID, son Mick (Mary) Zollman of Newport Beach, CA. They have five grandchildren, Courtney (Pat) Packer of Boise, ID, Cody Fortin, and Cory Fortin, of Boise, ID, Olivia Zollman of Oklahoma City, Ok, Chloe Zollman of Durham, NC, and they have a great grandson, Kolton Packer of Boise, ID. Dale is survived by his two siblings, brother Don (Cheryl) Zollman of Boise, ID and sister Glinda Chipp of Boise, ID, and several nephews and nieces. 

Dale requested no service at this time but a private gathering later. 

Dale’s Granddaughter writes……

My Grandpa was so silly, so out of this world with personality and spunk. He called me Miss O, but when I was a kid he'd call me Tazmo, like the devilish character. Normally someone wouldn't want to be called the name of a monster but coming from him it was okay because it was filled with love. He always looked for opportunities to make us laugh, even if it was out of embarrassment. He showed love most by bringing fun and giggles, just doing all he could to put a smile on the faces of those he loved. He'd make crazy comments, buy excessive quantities of everything and cuss at inopportune times, but all we could do was smile and roll our eyes saying there he goes again! Thank you, Grandpa, for bringing a smile to our faces in all circumstances even times we needed comfort. If he could be here right now, he'd say I love and miss you but not to worry about "this old fart" for too long: the perfect intersection of comfort and silliness. I miss you to pieces already and my life will never be the same without you in it, but I thank God that you were in it for 27 years. Most importantly, "Go go go big blue! Fight fight BSU!"