Funeral services for Dale L. Middletent, 67, of Lower Brule, SD will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026 at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD with burial in the Messiah Episcopal Cemetery at Iron Nation, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday at 3:00 pm.

Born to Mary and Nathan Middletent, Dale was born first before his chekpa Darrell on May 12, 1958.  He and Darrell were born at the Community Bailey Hospital in Chamberlain, SD.  He graduated from Lower Brule High School in 1977.  While in school, Dale was an outstanding athlete.  He excelled in every sport he tried from basketball, football, and rodeo.  He was part of the Rodeo Club where he was a bronc rider.  He made All Conference in football, where he played quarterback.  Dale was also a four year All State Track star.  Dale was also a part of the Student Council while in school.

Dale went to college in Huron for a time before enlisting in the military.  He was stationed in Fort Jackson, SC.  Dale remained in the military for two years before being Honorably Discharged.

Dale has his first daughter, Crystal Middletent, in 1976 and his second daughter LaTonn LaRoche in 1979.  He was united in marriage to Robin LaRoche on October 17, 2004.

Dale worked various jobs throughout the years after his military career. He was a custodian at the Lower Brule Jail then became a Game Warden with the Lower Brule Wildlife Program.  He really enjoyed his Wildlife family and his job.  He also worked for Cultural Resources for a time.  Dale then worked at the Community Center before he decided to focus on his health.

Dale had a profound respect for our Lakota way of life.  He was also a Sundancer.  He lived his life as a Wolakota and helped others whenever he could.

Dale knew laughter was the best medicine.  He enjoyed making others laugh and smile.  Dale was a jokester.  He enjoyed meeting new people.  He had a nickname for everybody.

Dale is survived by his daughters Crystal Middletent and LaTonn LaRoche.  His siblings Darrell (Dawn) Middletent, Denise Middletent, Marletta (Bob) Merritt, Mavis Cheney, and Terry Middletent.  Hunka brother Brad Bacon.  His grandkids Betty LaRoche, Shane Grey Owl, Everett Grey Owl, Chason, Chazlyn, and Chantz Middletent.  His stepdaughters Shawnna Felicia, Mona LaRoche, and also Araina Langdeau-Wilson who he raised as his daughter.  Also Shaun Allen, Dale, Marlowe, RonniAnne, Jolanna, Dana, Baby Lou, Clayton, Ryder and Lanayah.

Preceding him in death were his parents Mary and Nate Middletent, brothers Benny and Keith Middletent. Grandparents Lenora and Ben DeWitt. Great Grandmother Josie Spotted Hawk, Black Bird.  Grandfather Orson Middletent.  Aunts Beth Grooms, Sharon Bingen, Carol Powers.  Uncles Marvin, Toni, Lawrence Goodlow, and Truman DeWitt. Grandson Dale LaRoche.