Dale Eugene Mais, 74, of Marcellus, Michigan, passed away on May 5, 2026, at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He was born on March 24, 1952, in South Bend, Indiana, the son of Rollin and Violet (Pane) Mais.

Dale met the love of his life, Ellen Barrell, when they were just 16 years old at John Adams High School in South Bend. The two were united in marriage on May 8, 1976, in Bloomington, Indiana. Dale passed away just three days before their 50th wedding anniversary—a milestone that reflected a lifetime of deep love and partnership.

Dale pursued his academic passions with determination, earning his Ph.D. in Indiana and completing postdoctoral training at Charleston Medical University in South Carolina. He began his professional career as a research scientist with Eli Lilly in Indiana before accepting an opportunity with a biotechnology firm in La Jolla, California, where he and Ellen raised their family. During his distinguished career, Dale also served as a Goodwill Ambassador to China, helping establish a research laboratory in Shanghai.

Later, Dale and his family returned to the Midwest, where he concluded his career in pharmacology at MPI Research. Even in retirement, his passion for learning and teaching remained strong, and he shared his knowledge as a professor of chemistry and astronomy at several colleges until his illness.

Dale’s greatest passion was astronomy. He sought out rural homes to enjoy dark skies and built five observatories over the years—each more elaborate than the last, culminating in a fully computerized observatory with a roll-off roof. He published photographs and papers in astronomy magazines and found immense joy in exploring the universe.

Known for his humility, humor, and warmth, Dale had a way of drawing people to him. He was witty, goofy, and endlessly optimistic. Students, colleagues, and fellow researchers cherished the opportunity to learn from and work alongside him.

As an amateur astronomer, Dale was afforded unique opportunities, including assisting in preparing prospective women astronauts for weightless flight and participating in a research project at Mount Palomar. He also shared special memories with his late son, James, including taking a geology class together while James attended Palomar College and traveling throughout the western United States exploring secluded geological sites. These moments remained a source of comfort following James’s passing.

As a father, Dale was fun-loving, deeply knowledgeable, and always present for his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Ellen Mais of Marcellus, Michigan; daughter: Maryellen (Brian) Fleming of Fort Collins, Colorado; cherished grandchildren: Willow and Kaia Fleming; sister: Lorraine (Craig) Fisher of South Bend, Indiana; in-laws: Jim Fahey of Mishawaka, Indiana, Beth (Tom) Swinford of Smithfield, Utah, and Carol Barrell of Columbia City, Indiana; nieces and nephews: Stephanie, Sarah, Aubrey, Bryan, Chris, Danielle, and Geoff; as well as a multitude of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son: James Mais, who passed on February 19, 2026; his sister: Laura Fahey; and his brother-in-law: Mike Barrell.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Ave., Three Rivers, Michigan 49093.

A close friend of Dale's late son James shared this about Dale: "Dale is now a Starman. As sad as his passing is, there is also something very beautiful in knowing that now Dale is able to see everything he ever wanted to see- except this time no telescope in necessary."