Leland Dale Steiner, 81, of Rexburg passed away at The Homestead Assisted Living Center, only a few blocks from his birthplace, April 15, 2010 after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Dale was born in Rexburg on July 20, 1928 to John Leland Steiner and Zina LaVern Wynn, who both preceded him in death.

He attended Rexburg schools, including Ricks College, where he graduated with a degree in Accounting and Education in 1954. He later graduated from BYU with a Masters degree in Education. Dale served an LDS mission to Finland from 1949 to 1951 where one of his assignments was serving as a "traveling elder". He believed very deeply that, "every good thing that has happened in my life I can trace back to the decision to serve a mission".

After returning home and finishing his degree at Ricks College he began his 31 year career as a seminary teacher. During this time Dale met and married his eternal sweetheart, Bertina Alice Wilding in the Idaho Falls Temple for time and eternity in 1955. His commitment and love for his wife is extraordinary and obvious to all who knew him. His example of kindness and service to his wife and family will be felt for generations.

The main focus and center of Dale's life was that of husband and father. He was the consummate mentor and advisor to his children and grandchildren, constantly encouraging them to obtain an education, be obedient to God and church, and participate in all that the temple can offer. He had a special relationship and love for his four daughters, whom he affectionately referred to as "sisters". He was a very patient man, forcing down many less-than-delicious "meals" as his girls were learning the art of cooking.

Dale loved working with his hands in his shop and working on his modest farm, having worked with cows and other livestock since he was a boy. He knew all the right words to persuade his cows to comply with his commands. He was even known to have a few "special" personal names for some of his favorites.

Dale was a master teacher and was described as such by Elder Boyd K. Packer. He taught seminary in Idaho Falls, Rigby, Sugar City, and Rexburg where he spent the majority of his career, retiring in 1985. He could bring the scriptures alive with his contemporary renditions of Sampson and Delilah, Ammon protecting the king's flocks, and describing how "fine" Nephi was, among many other stories. He had a rare gift to touch the hearts of both young and old. He was a popular speaker at church firesides, missionary farewells, and as a Ricks College Devotional speaker. Because of his initials he was often introduced as, "Mr. LDS". One of the highlights of his career was having the privilege of touring the Holy Land with his wife and a group of church educators.

Dale was recognized everywhere he went by his former students, and amazingly he would generally know their name, where they sat in his class, who their friends where, and who their parents were (probably because he taught them too!). He truly knew and loved his students.

Dale had numerous church callings including serving as a Bishop, High Councilman, and teacher, having taught in every quorum and auxiliary in the church, including Relief Society. He would generally have an ample supply of "vitamins" (candy) available upon request during church meetings. Dale loved the gospel and the Lord and was always willing to help and serve others.

Dale is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bertina; four daughters, Dalene (Doug) Golding, Jean (David) Jones, Linda (Brad) Waddoups, and Beth (Quinn) Ard; four brothers Ralph (Gail) Steiner, Gary (Darline) Steiner, Gordon (Norma) Steiner, George (Melodee) Steiner; a sister, Carol (David) Fenton; and 13 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 20th at the LDS Rexburg Center Stake Center, 590 Summerwood Dr. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19th, at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Rexburg Cemetery.