Dale Eugene Machacek was the great-grandson of the late Frank & Katherine Machacek of Lyle Township, Mower County, Minnesota. Frank & Katherine left Kutna Hora, Bohemia in the late summer of 1864 and sailed aboard the SS America, arriving in New York City that September. Frank & Katherine brought 9 of their surviving children with them, including Lewis Machacek, who would grow up and marry Emma Pell. Lewis & Emma also settled in Lyle Township, where they had 12 children. One of their children, Walter Sylvester Machacek, left the farm to accept work in Owatonna. Walter married Irene Helena Martin in Saint Ansgar, Iowa and had children Dale Eugene, Audrey May and Lewis Walter.

Both Audrey and Lewis preceded Dale in death. Audrey Mae Machacek Rosenthal was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Owatonna, Minnesota; and Sgt. Lewis Walter Machacek, a career Army non-commissioned officer, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Dale was educated in the Owatonna school system and was a member of the 1953 OHS graduating class. His marriage to Violet E. Nutak produced children David Kevin, Robyn Raynae and Kerri Suzanne. After this marriage ended, Dale married Marlene Halverson, and the couple had children Greg Thomas, Todd James, Bobbie Lynn, Bryan J. and Traci Jo.

At his death, Dale had 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Dale began working at Jostens in 1951 at the age of 16 and continued to work as a master jeweler for more than 58 years. He also worked at Wagner's Lunch for more than 20 years, and enjoyed painting and remodeling houses. He was a member of the Owatonna Elks and Eagles clubs. He enjoyed playing poker, bowling, fishing and was a good hunter.

Those who knew Dale were sad upon learning of his death.