Dale K. Carrison

Dale K. Carrison, age 87 of Mankato, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Ecumen Pathstone Living.  Private services will be held at a later date.  Woodland Hills Funeral of Mankato is handling arrangements. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

Dale Kelley was born on April 29, 1936 to Harry and Ethel (née Walters) Carrison in Macomb, Illinois.  He graduated from Macomb High School in Macomb, Illinois in 1954.   Dale furthered his education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in 1958.  In 1959, he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the same institution, and a second Master’s Degree in Library Science at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado in 1962.  Dale served in the Army and National Guard from 1953-1969.  He started his professional career as a high school Business Teacher and the Acquisitions Librarian at Western Illinois University before becoming the Assistant Dean of Library Information Sciences at the University of Denver.  On January 28, 1962, Dale was united in marriage to Marion Gillette in Denver, Colorado.  While living in Colorado, Dale and Marion started their family with the birth of their first daughter.  After moving to Mankato, Minnesota, Dale and Marion had twin girls and raised their family where they were active members in the community.  During this time, Dale was Dean of Libraries at Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota, and later as Director of PALS (Project for Automated Library Systems). Once retired from Mankato State University, he became the Director of Project Socrates for the State of Minnesota.  He was a member of the American Library Association, MN Library Association, MN Educational Media Association, Kiwanis, Phi Delta Kappa, and the National Toothpick Holder Society.  He enjoyed sports, reading, traveling, and spending time at the lake cabin.  He loved time spent with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchild.  Dale was a devoted and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, D’Ann, Carrison of Mankato, Josette Larson of Madelia, Jolene Smith of Hobart, Indiana; 4 grandchildren, Abagail Eldridge, Jonas Eldridge, Jarred Smith, Cailyn Smith; great-granddaughter, Karmen Smith; and by many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marion Carrison of Mankato and his parents, Ethel and Harry Carrison.

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