Dale Tafelski

Nov 2, 1967 - Aug 28, 2026

Dale Tafelski passed away at his home in Bourbon, IN August 28, 2026.

Dale was born on November 2, 1967, in South Bend, Indiana, to Arthur and Charlotte Tafelski.

Left to cherish Dale's memory are his mother, Charlotte Tafelski; his beloved wife, Sharri; his daughter, Kristin Hurst of Bourbon; his son, Adam (Kelly) Yeager of Columbia City; his sisters, Denise (Joe) Hedric of Albuquerque, NM and Cheryl Tafelski, Mishawaka; and his three cherished grandchildren, Grayson, Autumn, and Aeris.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Tafelski.

A true West-sider, he proudly grew up attending St. Adalbert Elementary School and Washington High School, where he was voted most kind in his class of ’86. He later graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Education, beginning a career that would touch the lives of countless students, athletes, and colleagues.

For more than 30 years, Dale taught in both the South Bend and Oregon-Davis school systems, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Whether in the classroom or on the field, he treated every student as if they were his own. He was an exceptional educator and mentor, respected not only by his students but also by his fellow teachers, who often sought his advice, wisdom, or simply a listening ear.

Above all else, Dale loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them. He and his sisters shared a childhood filled with playful teasing, laughter, and an unbreakable bond. He was a devoted son who made his parents incredibly proud. In 2001, he married the love of his life, Sharri, several years after a blind date that broke all of his dating rules—and changed his life forever. He embraced his role as stepfather to Kristin and Adam, striving every day to be a positive role model. He shared their love of humor and never missed an opportunity for a good joke. Family game nights filled with trivia, Scattergories, and whatever game emerged from the cabinet became treasured traditions. Dale especially loved being "Grandpa." Nothing brought him greater joy than hearing the laughter and footsteps of his grandchildren running through the house. He treasured taking them on adventures to the zoo, out to eat, or anywhere they could simply spend time together creating memories. No one was more surprised than Dale that he became a dog lover, enjoying his time with Randal, Shadow and Mezzer.

Sports were woven into nearly every chapter of Dale's life. Whether he was playing in a softball league, coaching baseball or basketball, serving as an athletic director, running the scoreboard, keeping the scorebook, or officiating as a referee, he found joy in every aspect of the game. His knowledge of sports was legendary, and it was nearly impossible to stump him with a sports question. More importantly, he taught young athletes how to win with humility, lose with dignity, and always respect the game. Although, on occasion, one of his pitchers may have accidentally thrown a ball just a little too close to the plate. He loved the competition, the camaraderie, and the lessons that sports could teach. Through his guidance, he helped shape countless young athletes into outstanding adults who carried his lessons with them long after the final whistle.

Visitation for Dale will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN 46619. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Funeral Home, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Entombment will immediately follow the funeral service at St. Joseph Cemetery in South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oregon-Davis athletics in honor of Dale’s love for the school and all sports.

Posted online on August 31, 2026, Published in South Bend Tribune

08/31/2026 EJS