Newcomer Family Obituaries - Dale A. Fester 1932 - 2023 - Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions.

Obituary photo of Dale Fester, Denver-CO

In Loving Memory of

Dale A. Fester

1932 - 2023

In Loving Memory of

Dale A. Fester

1932 - 2023

Services & Gatherings

Celebration of Life Service:

Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00pm
Red Rocks Fellowship Church, 11195 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton, CO 80127

Interment:

Private Family Interment
Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO

Newcomer - West Metro Chapel (303-274-6065) is assisting the family

Dale A. Fester (Nov 7, 1932 – May 7, 2023)

Dale was born in Sterling, Colorado on November 7, 1932. He was the only child of Arthur and Mabel Fester who farmed south of Fleming in northeast Colorado. He attended New Haven School in 1st through 3rd grades. When he was seven, they moved to the mountains where his father worked in a lead and zinc mine above Montezuma in Summit County for six months. Dale attended Montezuma School the 1st half of 4th grade. They then moved to Denver where Dale attended Gilpin, Emerson, and Eagleton elementary schools, and Lake Junior High. He graduated from West High School in 1949 and the University of Denver, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953 and a Master of Science degree in 1961, both in Chemical Engineering.

He is survived by four children, Robert Fester (Nikki), Laurie Johnson, Terri Witkop (Russell), and David Fester (Paula), 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He married Elinore Miller (deceased), the love of his life, on June 14, 1953, the day after he graduated from DU. Upon graduation, he worked for Philips Petroleum Company in Borger, Texas and then served two years in the Army at Fort Ord California, Fort Monmouth New Jersey, and White Sands Proving Ground New Mexico. Dale then worked for GOG L of Consulting Engineering and University of Wisconsin Solar Energy for six years.

After receiving his Master's degree, Dale worked for Martin Marietta Astronautics in Denver for 32 years, and then formed Denver Space Systems where he consulted for other space companies for three years. In his 35 years in the aerospace field, Mr. Fester served as a specialist in propulsion and fluid management, thermal control, post-boost propulsion, design of satellite, telescope, and high-energy laser systems and advanced exploration initiatives. He worked on propulsion solutions for Apollo, the Mars Viking Lander, the Manned Maneuvering Unit and aspects of the Space Shuttle. He also evaluated numerous space systems technologies for NASA and the Air Force. He was an internationally recognized expert in low-gravity fluid management and cryogenic systems and authored more than 150 technical papers and reports. He was a lifetime fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he served on the board of directors for ten years, was the U.S. Vice President of the International Astronautical Federation for four years and was a member of the International Academy of Astronautics.

He loved scouting and was an Eagle Scout in Denver Troop 68, formed Cub Scout Pack 498 in Bear Valley (Denver), and served as Cubmaster. He was a founding member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the National Air and Space Society, the American Air Museum in Britain, and was listed in several Who’s Who publications.

He was a long-time member of Red Rocks Fellowship (formerly Grace Baptist Church), where he served as a teacher, greeter, trustee, deacon, elder, moderator, and chairman/president. As a born again Christian, he loved teaching his Sunday school class from high school to senior ladies to adults and particularly enjoyed his “Through the Bible” class. He urges all of you to make sure you know Jesus and where you will spend eternity. He will be overjoyed to be with Elinore again, and they both will be waiting to see all their children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends in heaven.

To view the live stream of the service please click here.

Services & Gatherings

Celebration of Life Service:

Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 2:00pm
Red Rocks Fellowship Church, 11195 W. Belleview Ave., Littleton, CO 80127

Interment:

Private Family Interment
Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO

Newcomer - West Metro Chapel (303-274-6065) is assisting the family

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Memories & Condolences

Dear Mentor and Friend,

Although the realm of aerospace engineering has lost a shining star, I find myself feeling honored and grateful to have witnessed a life well lived.
I will forever cherish the memories we shared, the countless hours spent discussing propulsion theories, paper due dates and mysteries of flight. You not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in me a passion for exploration and innovation. Your unwavering dedication to your craft was truly inspiring, pushing me to strive for excellence in my work and how I managed and connected with others.

Beyond your technical expertise, it was your warmth and humor that endeared you to everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Your patience, encouragement, and willingness to listen made you not just a mentor but a true friend. You had a unique ability to bring out the best in others, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie.

Though you may no longer be physically present, your spirit will forever be a guiding light. I will continue to honor your memory by upholding the values you so dearly bestowed upon me and others.

Rest in peace. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
With heartfelt condolences,

Barbara Bicknell

~ Barbara Bicknell - June 4, 2023

I used to help with the Awana program at Red Rocks on Sunday evening. Dale would come in ready to listen to Bible verses that the children had memorized. It made him so happy to know the kids were memorizing God’s word and that he could have a part to play. He never missed an opportunity to help and serve others . I loved his friendly smile.
My husband was also an engineer and he and Dale had some interesting conversations. I think they have solved all the mysteries in heaven and can’t wait to see us again and tell us all about it. Congratulations on your promotion to heaven. Well earned Dale!

~ Peggy Ralph - June 2, 2023

Loved this man. He was so kind and sweet. Will always remember when we had a women’s tea and he wrapped a gift for every women. They were things from his wife. Many memories that he shared. I loved my gift. Always felt it was so special and filled with love. Miss you sweet man. Enjoy heaven.

~ Nick and Sharon Oltmans - May 16, 2023