RAPID CITY- Bernard Dale Friend, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 4th, in Rapid City. Dale was born to Everett M. and Ruby Mae (DeWitt) Friend on August 21, 1933 in Friendsville, MD, a town settled by the Friend family in 1765. Dale grew up in Friendsville and joined the military in 1949 at the age of 15. He was discharged in 1952 and re-enlisted in 1955, making the military his career until he retired in June 1981, as the Deputy Commander at Fort Carson, CO having earned the rank of Colonel. During his military career, he served in Korea and Vietnam as well as Stateside. He worked his way through the ranks (Mustang) as a soldier and came to lead as well as instruct. He was awarded multiple medals and honors during his career. He earned his GED and graduated from Officer Candidate School, Airborne and Ranger Schools, The Army War College as well as other military schools. He earned a Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Omaha and a Master's Degree from Michigan State University. He was proud of his time in the military and enjoyed telling stories, especially about his jumps as a Master Parachutist and the brave men he served with. But even more so, Dale was proud of his family. He married the love of his life, Varro Schnose on April 3, 1950 in Bentonville, Arkansas. They were married for 65 years and had four children. Dale's military career resulted in the family calling many places home, both in the US and overseas. Dale and Varro moved to the Black Hills area after his retirement making Rapid City their home since 1982. Dale enjoyed camping, golf, fishing and playing cards along with spending time with family. He was a member of the Society of Pen and Sword, American Legion, VFW, Elks and Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Varro, of Rapid City; Sons; Scott (Judy), of Brighton, CO and Michael of Rapid City; Grandchildren, Meghan (Kyle) Francone of Craig, CO, Amanda (Steve) Calley, of Broomfield, CO, Micah Friend, of Sterling, CO, Talon Friend and Savanna Friend of Rapid City and three step-grandchildren of Fort Collins, CO. Great-Grandchildren, Elijah and Ammon Francone, Katelyn and Titus Calley; Brother, Robert Friend of Baltimore, MD; and sisters, Rita Ordiway, of Buckhannon, WV; and Beverly Ibbott, of Calabash, NC; Sister-in-Law Wanda and husband Vinny of Long Island, NY, Brother-in-Law, Gene Schnose of Las Vegas, NV, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Valerie and infant son Michael. Siblings; Harold, Eva and Dorothy. Sisters-in-Law; Shirley Friend and Midori Schnose. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 13th at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 2700 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 14th at 11:00 am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Hermosa with Pastor Deb Grismer presiding. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors.