Dale Eugene Viktora

Dale “Genie” Viktora, age 88, passed away on Thursday, April 9 2026 at his home in Hollandale. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 16 2026 at 11AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in rural Geneva. A wake will be held from 4-7PM at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 15 2026. Visitation shall be held for an hour prior to the service. Father Bill Becker will be officiating.

Dale was born on December 5, 1937 to James and Minnie (Belshan) Viktora. He grew up in the Myrtle area and joined the Army in 1954, serving until 1957. He served overseas three times as part of the 101st Airborne. After his tour of service, he married Betty Hahn in Spring Valley, and from their union came six wonderful children. He worked as a tool and die maker for Universal Cooperative and Enderes Tool Company in Albert Lea where he worked until retirement.

Dale was a faithful man and had attended many catholic churches, finally joining the congregation of St. Mary’s Catholic church where he stayed for more than 50 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus council 4323, the Moose, and the NRA. He was a life member of the American Legion. He served on the St. Mary’s church council for 15 years and was a member of the credit union board for 6 years.

When he wasn’t working Dale often spent his time hobby farming. His other hobbies included listening to polkas and old time country on the radio, polka dancing with his wife, building things out of scrap, and going on fishing trips to Happy Days resort for more than 50 years. Dale volunteered his time to help clean the church yard and cemetery. He also volunteered at the American Legion.

Dale loved his family most of all and would often help his sons around the farm and in the machine shop. Whenever possible, he would join family members to go on fishing and hunting trips together. Someone always included him on their trips.

Dale is survived by his children: Gary (Jolene) Viktora of Ellendale, Jerry (Shelley) Viktora of Ellendale, Debra (Lucas) Luna of Albert Lea, Kevin (Marcy) Viktora of Oakland, Kenneth (Alisa) Viktora of Austin, and Julie (Troy) Olson of Oakland; 23 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren, with two more on the way; brother Melvin Viktora; sisters-in-law Bonnie Viktora and Barb Hahn; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents James and Minnie Viktora; parents-in-law Chester and Erma Hahn; 11 siblings; and a great granddaughter.

Dale dearly loved his family and will be deeply missed.

The service will be livestreamed on Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home's Facebook page using the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1L9PJdEN5C/

In the event the livestream fails, a recording will be posted to this page following the service.