Dale’s Celebration Of Life
Wheels Through Time Museum invites you to a Celebration of Life event on April 2, 2022, in memory of our beloved founder Dale Walksler.
Dale’s legacy became international over the course of his life, and we look forward to a time together sharing and remembering the life of this profound individual.
Dale Walksler founded Wheels Through Time Museum in 1993 with the purpose of telling the story of the American Motorcycle. A personal passion for collecting rare and historic American motorcycles quickly evolved into a lifelong endeavor. Beginning with a small building behind his Harley-Davidson dealership in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, over the next several decades, he poured boundless energy into transforming Wheels Through Time into one of the premier motorcycle destinations on the planet.
Dale made it a personal mission to make every motorcycle operational, a unique goal and an accomplishment that led to the museum becoming known as “The Museum That Runs.” Through his passion, vision, and dedication coupled with contagious enthusiasm and generosity, he created not just a destination but an experience. His influence and reach extended through public appearances at antique motorcycle events and auctions, guest television appearances, and his own network television shows. Dale’s impact and legacy continues through Wheels Through Time today.
Sadly, in early 2021 we lost Dale to a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. A celebration of his life will take place at Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC, on April 2, 2022, from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Pastor and museum staff member Kris Estep will speak at 2 pm, followed by comments and stories from some of Dale’s family and closest friends. A comprehensive exhibit detailing Dale’s passion and vision will also be debuted. The exhibit chronicles his life, from his youth and earliest days as a Harley-Davidson dealer to building and growing the collection, his prescient move to Maggie Valley, and both his and the museum’s rise to international status. The museum will be open to the public with free admission as part of the event.
We look forward to a day honoring Dale together and sharing the stories of his impact.