Bub or Koda Bear as many called him began his life in Pleasanton, Kansas. Dakota was not your typical child, he was more interested in infomercials, then cartoons. Billy Mays made him fall in love with the turbo cooker. He would tell his mother we could cook a chicken and bake a cake at the same time. For kindergarten round up, Mrs. Ballou was introducing him to the class tarantula when he looked at her and said actually it’s an arachnoid. We knew then, he was going to be that child.
A few weeks had passed and mom was called. Dakota quit writing his name on his papers. His response was, if she didn’t know his name, maybe she shouldn’t be his teacher. Throughout school Dakota was involved with sports and loved working with the Beltz and their plays. Dakota was a friend to so many. He became a mighty deer hunter at the age of 12. Trying to outdo his uncle Day Day.
Dakota had the biggest smile and loving eyes, his eyebrows were no match for anyone. His heart was as big as his smile and was a friend to all in need.
Dakota gave every single person in his life a purpose and made them feel special.
When Dakota was your friend, he became your defender. He took it upon himself to try and take care of all. He wanted everyone to be happy and took it upon himself to absorb anyone’s pain or fears. You knew you were loved by him.
On the day of Dakota’s birth, it was Halloween, his father to be took his big sissy trick or treating while his mama stayed home not feeling well. His daddy all dressed up in work boots, grandma Re’s dress, pink curlers in hair, full beard and the shiniest blue eyeshadow you could imagine and he and the princess went trick or treating. The night had ended-candy being eaten and bud decided it was time to come. So off went his father and mother to the hospital-a spooka for a Pooka, but Dakota had other plans. His mother had no strength left to push a 10 lb baby boy out and in a moment’s notice his father almost lost his baby and mother.
Surgery happened in a matter of minutes and Dakota came to be on November 1st. No spooka for Pooka but, a son who had the most perfect eyes and the biggest smile a father could be so proud of.
His grandpa Ed picked him up, kissed both cheeks and forehead and praised his grandson. He had his ears
Dakota who blessed to be surrounded daily by his great grandparents, his Papper Re and Grandma Re, Poppie and Grandma Junnie, Papa Ed and Grandma Bonnie and Grandma Emily would visit after along with Grandpa Bob.
Dakota became a little bub to Rachael who would forever be referred to as Sissy or Seestor, an older brother to his Joshie Poo and Jebbers. He became not only their brother but their protector and defender. The boys became the Ralle Boys and all knew them by name.
Dakota decided he was going to join the Air Force. His family accompanied him to his swearing in and sending off to basic military training. The first time the boy had ever been away from home and he became a wingman before ever taking his first flight.
The Ralle family went on a road trip to see their number 1 son graduate a man.
Dakota was deployed to South Korea. His heart was heavy without the comforts of his family but he created another family of comrades who stood by his side as not only soldiers defending our great Nation, but as brothers and sisters he would gladly defend and die for.
Dakota then became stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base. Dakota took great pride in his “Bomb Dump”, his family of soldiers became united.
Dakota being the brother he was talked Joshua into moving in with him and chase his lifelong friend. The three would create a home that seemed at times more like a frat house. Dakota would then once again be deployed to Afghanistan, where he defended his Nation with great honor.
After returning home a changed man, Dakota as with many other soldiers suffered from PTSD. His nights were long at times and be turned to alcohol to help numb the pain.
He was deployed again with his brother and Chase by his side he surrounded them with his bomb buddies and they all became family. One night, a fellow comrade wanted to take his life, Dakota entered the vehicle to talk the soldier down. Dakota said, he didn’t know why but he was playing with the seat belt and somehow he clicked it. The soldier drove away to roll the vehicle several times. Dakota broken and bruised and the driver surviving, was unable to be deployed due to injuries sustained. Dakota being the Staff Sergeant he was defended his actions of entering the soldier’s vehicle to save his life. Dakota was against suicide, he took it upon himself to help all in need and was broken when he couldn’t save a fellow comrade brother. Dakota decided it was time for him to move on, to leave the Air Force and so the process began.
Dakota began making plans to enter back into the civilian world. He decided he would stay in Warrensburg to be close to his comrade brothers, they were his family also and he felt he needed to be there for them. Last week began his exiting process. He would become a civilian on November 3rd.
In the early morning hours of August 31st 2021, the demons that haunted this soldier’s mind defeated him. Dakota made the choice to end the pain, the heartache and the nightmares that consumed him.
Dakota was the strong one, the one who would do anything for anyone. He wanted his family happy, his friends happy, always to give a hug a smile, a feeling of comfort.
The signs were not there of his burdens nor the cries were not given. He held it in and in the moments he needed all, he found himself alone. We will never know the reason behind his decision, the whys will forever be asked.
What we do know is that he was loved by so many and so many are left with an emptiness that can never be filled.
Dakota leaves behind his parents Edward “Pooka” and Dawn Ralle, his sister Rachael Dawn along with Cody King, a niece Harper, another niece Mary Junne, and a nephew Alfred. A brother Joshua Ralle and a baby brother Jebediah and Pyper and his soon to be niece Flora Grace Ralle. His remaining grandparents Paul Meyer and Bonnie Ralle. His uncle David and Sue Meyer, his Auntie Neacy, his aunt Glaisle Allen along with his uncle Joe Ralle and Aunt Lora Ralle. Numerous cousins along with great aunts and uncles.
Preceding him in death was his paternal grandfather Edwardo Ralle, his maternal grandmother Junne Meyer, paternal great grandparents Joe and Emily Zybko. Maternal great grandparents Richard and Marie Meyer and Bob and Mary Akers. Dakota now joins his rainbow siblings the twins Alex and Alexandria and Jebediah’s lost twin Maria. May they all embrace him.
Funeral service 4 pm Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the Pleasanton High School. Burial with military honors will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:30 pm to service time at the Pleasanton High School. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
