Funeral services for Dale “Booter” Lee Masters, Sr., 95, were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 29, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville with Pastor Thomas Marth officiating. Interment was at East Side Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91, both of Estherville. He passed away surrounded by his family at Good Samaritan Society in Jackson, Minn. on Dec. 20, 2025
Dale “Booter” Lee Masters, Sr was born on April 5, 1930 in Graettinger, Iowa to Ralph and Mildred (Duhn) Masters.
Dale attended school in Graettinger. Following his schooling he worked at the Graettinger Telephone Company, Grave’s Elevator and Davis’ Packing. He was enlisted in the United States Army in 1952, after serving overseas during the Korean War, he was honorably discharged and returned to Iowa. On June 22, 1958, Dale was united in marriage to Beverly Zitterich. The couple made their home in Estherville, where he worked at John Morrell Packing for 28 years.
Dale was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Booter strived to be the first person on the golf course so that he wasn’t slowed down during his round. He made many friends on the golf course that carried on to almost daily coffee visits. Booter loved cars, especially Fords, and keeping them clean was very important to him. He enjoyed riding his bike and playing with everyone’s dog (all whom he called Petey). He had an extensive baseball hat collection, proudly displaying his favorites on his basement wall.
Mostly Dale enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed going to Graettinger to socialize with his extended family and spending time with his grandchildren when they would visit. In his later years, he began tinkering with and fixing watches.
Dale is survived by his wife of 67 years Beverly Masters of Estherville; his children Dale (Julie) Masters of N. Sioux City, South Dakota, and Kaylene (Brian) Willemssen of Jackson, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Breanna (John) Grattan, Zachary Masters, Sean Masters, Levi (Karrah) Lucht, Jordon (Lindsey) Lucht, Mitch (Ali) Lucht, Alie Willemssen and Heather Willemssen; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Jackson, Ella, Angel and Lyla.
Dale is preceded in death by his parents; a grandson Nate Willemssen; brothers Arnie (Marge) Masters and Rich (Opal) Masters; sister Shirley (Charles) Marble and many extended family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
