Dale Rings 1940-2023
Dale Alan Rings passed away in Sun Lakes, Ariz., surrounded by family members and close friends on April 9, 2023. He was 82 years old.
He was born in 1940 in Holton to Glen and Nell Rings. He grew up in this small town, graduating from Holton High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from The University of Kansas and a master of science degree in health services management, business and public administration from the University of Missouri.
Dale then became a health care administrator, including 25 years with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. His roles with Mayo included Rochester Methodist Hospital administrator, Mayo Clinic Liaison to Minnesota’s State Legislature and Director of International Healthcare Consulting. Dale also received his American College of Healthcare Executives Certificate of Fellowship in 1990.
Dale was married to Linda from 1967 to 1983, with whom he had two sons. He married Penny in 1985, blending their two families of two boys and two girls.
Dale’s career with Mayo included hospital administration, state government relations and international administration. Dale and Penny retired to Bellingham, Wash. for 12 years then moved to Sun Lakes, Ariz. in 2016, enjoying their Sun Lakes home, family and friends.
Dale will be remembered for his wit, sense of humor, engaging personality and love of family. He had a lifelong passion for automobiles and BMW clubs in Minnesota, Washington, British Columbia and Arizona. He was an advocate of literacy and volunteering in schools. He also was proud to be affiliated with Mayo Clinic during his career and enjoyed making presentations of the “History Of Mayo Clinic” to Life Long Learning classes.
He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Penny, two sons and families and two stepdaughters and family, including four grandchildren, a stepgranddaughter, a great-granddaughter and two children of a son’s partner.
Dale served on and chaired many boards and committees with missions dear to his heart, including Rotary, YMCA, member of Minnesota Hospital Association Board of Trustees, Bellingham, Wash. Kidney Center and Adult Lifelong Learning programs in Rochester, Minn., Bellingham, Wash. and Chandler, Ariz., and many other organizations.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 17 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic Foundation, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259; Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box AZ419, 4980 South Alma School, Chandler, AZ 85248; a Rotary club in your area; or a charity of your choice. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
