Dale Lane Winchell, age 52, of Tawas passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016. Dale was born on Jan. 1, 1964 in the Detroit area to Glenn Winchell and Joanie Swack-Winchell. We lost an incredibly kind, loving and amazing soul. He was good natured, tender hearted and giving to a fault. Dale was a helper, protector and fighter for many. He knew no strangers, he helped many on the side of the road wanting to protect women and children. He was a nature lover, avid reader, motorcyclist, sportsman, mentor and so much more. Dale was a great listener making everyone feel special – he had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person. Dale was best known for his teddy bear hugs, his beautiful loving eyes, contagious smile and his heart of gold.Dale and his family would gather at local restaurants for Sunday breakfast, always in hand was his International Vanilla Creamer. Dale was known for his homemade potato soup at Halloween when family and friends would pop in to grab a cup and visit. Dale's granddaughters were precious to him, every time Jada heard a semi she would think papa was coming to see her. Nieces, nephews and all children were loved by Dale. He especially enjoyed the antics of children and was sensitive to children with special needs. As an animal lover, Dale and his wife Tina, rescued hedgehogs, snakes, dogs, horses, rabbits and sugar gliders. Dale visited the local elementary school where his great niece attends, providing students an opportunity to learn about and see snakes and hedgehogs. Dale graduated from Tawas Area High School in 1982. He held several jobs before finding his most fulfilling position as a truck driver. Knowing of Dale's love of being a self-employed truck driver of oversized and heavy loads helped his family when he had to be away for extended periods of time. Dale leaves behind his loving wife, Tina Winchell; his father, Glenn Winchell (Barb Sullivan); step father, Ivan (Sandy) Watts, mother-in-law, Dorothy Allen; son, Jody (Crystal) Winchell; granddaughters, Jada and Joanie; his sister, Glenda (Randy) Ferns; his sister, Sabrina Winchell (Shannon Wood); niece and nephew, Alan (Mickey) Ferns and Mandy (Tarl) Miller; great nieces and nephew, Emily, Cody and Rebecca Ferns.Dale was preceded in death by his sister, Christine Faith; mother, Joanie (Swack) Watts; uncle, Ted Swack; maternal grandparents, Samuel and Marie Swack; paternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Winchell; father-in-law, Bill Allen. We will all mourn, each in our own way, but we will also celebrate the person who will live on in each of us. May you rest easy Dale in fair winds and calm seas. For us left behind the only place to visit Dale is in our hearts and in our dreams. Quote from Dale and Glenda's favorite book, "The Perfect Storm."Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 27 at Buresh Funeral in Tawas City. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the service will be held at 1 with a graveside service to follow at Pioneer Cemetery in Grant Township. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the family or Iosco County Humane Society. An online guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.