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Dexter C.
Pehle, a great Minnesota Mason, who I looked up to and respected for decades passed
away on February 16, 2021. He was a Minnesota Mason for fifty-five and a half
years.
Dexter was
born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 19, 1935. He was a south side kid who
graduated from Roosevelt High School with the class of 1953. Just a couple of
weeks following graduation Dexter entered the U.S. Airforce and honorably
served until 1959. After his military service Dexter had a long career at
Sperry Univac as a Systems Engineer.
Dexter was
a devoted and loving husband and father. He was married to his loving wife
Muriel for over sixty years. Muriel would always attend all the Masonic dinners
and events at Dexter’s side.
Dexter
enjoyed singing and had a very nice singing voice. I recall someone ask Dexter
if he ever sang professionally one evening and Dexter said that he sang in the
Keesler AFB male choir. He said he enjoyed it very much, and that he was proud
and fortunate to have had that experience.
Dexter
joined Minnehaha Lodge #165 when it was a powerhouse of excellent Masonic
activity. He was Initiated-Entered Apprentice May 4, 1965, Passed-Fellow Craft
June 1, 1965, Raised Master Mason June 29, 1965. He also affiliated with
Biwabik Lodge #293 the same day he was raised a Master Mason.
Dexter was
asked to join the Line of Officers within Minnehaha Lodge, and he worked his
way thru all the chairs and became the Master of Minnehaha Lodge in 1997. Dexter
was an active member holding various officer positions until 2014.
Dexter was
also an active member of both the York and Scottish Rite.
Dexter was
not just an accomplished ritualist, but he understood the ritual, and enjoyed
talking about it. His performance of King Solomon is one of the best that I had
ever seem. Dexter drove 200 miles to help perform the Royal Arch Degree in
which I was the principal candidate which touched me deeply.
Dexter was
a passionate student of every aspect of Freemasonry. He loved to share his
knowledge with his Brothers. He was always cheerfully providing Masonic
Education in his lodge or any lodge that asked him. I enjoyed lively discussions
with Dexter over coffee. The Grand Lodge of Minnesota recognized Dexter’s
contribution and awarded him the Minnesota Duane E. Anderson Excellence in
Masonic Education Award for the 2003-2004 term.
Dexter was
always a welcome sight at any event. When you saw him, he always had a smile, a
firm handshake, a kind word, and a genuine interest in you.
One of my
favorite stories about Dexter, that I will always remember, was the evening
that I asked Dexter if he would join me in the Special Olympics Polar Bear
Plunge at White Bear Lake in January. After I asked him, his face was frozen in
shock. Now this is a rare occurrence for Dexter was always poised, and relaxed.
I knew I had an opportunity for some fun, so I said “Come on Dexter, a jump in
a frozen Minnesota lake in January will be refreshing and fun. Come on let’s do
it for the kids!” With the look of shock
still on Dexter’s face, and not wanting to lose the opportunity I said, “well
if you can’t jump with me, would you like to make a donation?”
I have
never seen a man reach for his wallet so fast in my life. Dexter reached in and
pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. Dexter gave a sigh of relief and a smile
appeared on his face. As he handed me the money, he said, “Tom, I would love to
make a contribution” and we laughed. At the next few masonic events Dexter
would bring a Brother over to me and said “Tom, here is a Brother who would
like to join your team or make a donation”. Dexter became my straight man, and
we had a lot of fun with that project.
Dexter and
Muriel moved to California to be near their daughter some years ago. Dexter was
an active visitor to Blue Lodges, Royal Arch Chapters, and proudly wore his
Minneapolis Mounted Commandery uniform to Commandery meetings. Dexter told me
he enjoyed the California weather, and didn’t miss his snow blower.
Dexter
last gift on this earth demonstrates how thoughtful, and compassionate he was
about people. Dexter donated his body to the University of Minnesota Bequest
Program for Medical Research. Even in death Dexter is providing opportunities
for future doctors to gain in depth knowledge of the human anatomy, and medical
researchers in developing new surgical procedures.
Dexter
walked with us on this journey during his life. He celebrated the craft’s success
and happiness and provided a steady hand of support when the trail was rough. He
shared his light, when our light was dim, to illuminate the path.
Though my
Brother Dexter has now taken a different path and has gone home. His light
continues to shine in our hearts. We enjoyed each other’s company while
laughing and sharing along the way. I
shed no tears, for I have smiles of joy for that time that we shared on this
earth.
Until we
meet again…Alas My Brother
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