"In the words of the hymn, "For all the saints who from their labors rest", Dale was one of those saints. He welcomed me in to the insurance business and provided the needed mentoring. He generously shared his knowledge and kind spirit as we would travel from one appointment to another. After days of this he called me into his office and gave me a list of names and said call these for an appointment, go see them and treat them like you would your own family. For many of those early years we had no written contract, just a verbal agreement. He made me a better person and for that I am thankful. Herb Phillips "
In loving memory of
Dale Edward Messenger
January 22, 1926 - November 2, 2020
Dale Messenger Funeral Link: https://vimeo.com/476711461
Dales life video link: https://vimeo.com/476395911
Dale Edward Messenger died Monday November 2, 2020 at age 94 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa after a short illness. Due to COVID19 restrictions, the family has chosen to hold a private family gathering. Burial at Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, Iowa will take place at a later date.
Dale Edward Messenger was born in Moorhead, Iowa on January 22, 1926, the son of Franklin Lloyd and Ruth Merle (Perkins) Messenger. He graduated from Pisgah High School. He married Donna Cooper on August 28, 1946 in Mondamin, Iowa. Dale and Donna farmed in the Pisgah area until 1954 when he and Donna moved to Clarinda where he operated Skelly gas stations in Braddyville and Clarinda. He belonged to Nodaway A.F.&A.M. Lodge number 140 in Clarinda. In 1969, the Messenger family moved to Ames where Dale offered life insurance and financial planning services through the Equitable Life Assurance Society. With Equitable, he was a CLU, CHLC, Million Dollar Club member and was elected to the Equitable Hall of Fame.
In Ames, Dale was involved in the United Methodist Church Iowa Conference sitting on the board of Pension and Healthcare. At First United Methodist Church of Ames, he was on the Foundation Board and Past Chairman of the Administration Council.
Dale and Donna enjoyed Iowa State University athletics, travel, church activities and spending time with their four boys and their families.
Dale is survived by his wife Donna Messenger of 74 years and their four sons, Richard, LeRoy (Sheryl), Keith (Peanut) and Douglas (Dee), as well as granddaughter Tamar (Jesse) McCunniff, six grandsons, David (Colleen), Michael (Kristina), Matthew (Margaret), Ryan, Cooper (Kelsey), and Carson (Hannah). He is also survived by 18 great grandchildren and a brother, Dwight (Pat) Messenger. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald.
Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church in Ames.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com. A video of the service will be posted to the same website.
Tributes
"A good man. I enjoyed his company at coffee for over 20 years. Rest in peace Dale. Keep telling stories. "
"Great guy, he will be missed. Prayers to the family"
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"I lost a brother, a friend! We always respected and loved each other. Go with God, Dale."
"Forty-Six years. My manager, my mentor, my partner, my second father. Many memories with Dale and Donna in Hawaii and other Equitable conventions. Dale built a great business in Ames and I have been the fortunate the benefactor of his wisdom. I could have never imagined that a couple of weeks ago would be our last coffee shared together. I'll miss his guidance and humor. Prayers to Donna, Leroy, Richard, Doug and family. Know that Dale is serving well in heaven and is as close as our thoughts and dreams. David Cox"
"I worked at Dale?s insurance office for a short time in 1992. He was semi-retired then. I also was blessed to know Dale and Donna from church. Prayers and sympathy for the family as you mourn his passing. I plan to send a memorial to the church in Dale?s name. Nancy Tamashunas"
"Just a couple of weeks ago Dad (Tater) and I drove to Pisgah and Moorhead area for the day and before going to the cemeteries we drove around the Messenger farm and the places where Dale and Dad knew each other as young adults 75+/- years ago. When you notified Dad of Dale's death he said he wanted to remember Dale as he was. I have many memories of Dale and Donna as well and of family get togethers over the years. Celebrate a life well lived! You will be missed by many. Retha Rasmussen Starek"
"Sincerest condolences, Gods Blessings to the family. Carol Chantrill "
"Donna and family, Our prayers and sympathy are with you at this time of Dale's death. He was such a good bridge player and I enjoyed playing with im when we had Monday bridge at FUMC. At Sunday worship we sat on the same side and talked with him then. He was a kind and loving man. Hugs and prayers. Jackie and Ron Smith"
"Goodbye, my dear sweet Uncle Dale. I always could count on a phone call on my birthday!"