"Mr. Dunn was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Milford Middle School in the 70s. I was a high risk kid who was shy and awkward. He was so incredibly kind to me and encouraged me to write. Now, in my 50s, working on an MFA in Creative Writing and teaching writing workshops, I remember him as one of the first adults to ever encourage me to write. It made all the difference. I wanted to find him to tell him that and unfortunately, I found that I was too late. I will forever be grateful to him. "
In loving memory of
Dale T. Dunn 02/06/2021
January 11, 1949 - February 6, 2021
Dale T. Dunn, 72 of Marshalltown, IA passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at his residence under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m., Thursday, March 25, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi Parrish - St. Henry Catholic Church of Marshalltown. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will take place at a later date at the Zearing Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family or, the Iowa River Hospice. Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com
Dale was born January 11th, 1949 in Marshalltown, IA to Lawrence "Bud" and Evelyn (Gilmore) Dunn. He graduated with the West Marshall class of 1967. After high school, he attended Ellsworth community college and then the University of Northern Iowa where he received his teaching degree in 1971. Dale taught reading at the Nevada Community school district for 25 years. His love for education and reading next lead him to a career with Houghton Mifflin as a sales consultant from 1996 through 2010. Dale received many awards throughout his career. His most notable being, Teacher of the year and Sales Consultant of the year. Dale met many amazing students, colleagues and educators that became and remain his close personal friends. Dale possessed a quick wit and sense of humor. He never missed the opportunity to have a conversation with friend or stranger. Not only did he laugh at others, most importantly, he often laughed at his own expense. Dale saw the glass half full and never lost his optimistic outlook on life. Dale was the organizer of many events for his family, friends and community. He most enjoyed the company of others along with gardening and planting flowers. He felt that spending time with those he loved was the most important time one could spend.
Dale is survived by sister Pat Foster of Marshalltown, Brother Larry Dunn of Marshalltown, Nieces, Denise (Alan) Kleinendorst of Waterloo, Carrie (Eugene) Meyer of Clemons, Lisa (John) Witte of St. Anthony, Christy (Ben) Watson of State Center, and Dana Dunn of State Center. Nephews Rob Foster of Scottsdale, AZ and Rick (Jamee) Foster of Canton, OH. Great nieces and nephews, Beth (Aaron) Mauldin, John (Chessa) Foster, Angie (Dustin) Goldsberry, Cassie, Chelsea, and Cierra Foster, Aaron (Amber) Shipley, Jordan (Brandon) Mason, Carsen Dunn, Lexie Hundley and Evan Watson. He is also survived by ten great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Donna Jean, Brother Denny and Sister in law Jo, Brother in law Roger Foster, Nephew Steve Foster and Great nephew Eric Kleinendorst.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Iowa River Hospice for the wonderful care they took of Dale and his family.
Tributes
"Dale was one of our Houghton/Mifflin reps in the ICCSD. Dale was knowledgeable and professional, but mostly kind and personable. I very much enjoyed being associated with Dale in our endeavors to educate our teachers and students."
"Dale and I began our friendship during summer Bible Schools days with St. Gabriel and St. Anthony Churches starting before age 10. He always had that ready smile and humor - which I am sure the Nuns teaching us at Bible School did not find always find as humorous as we did!!! Our Church friendship continued through elementary, junior high, and high school when we would visit after attending Mass. We then attended Ellsworth Community College during the same 2 years. I was fortunate to have never have lost knowing how Dale was getting along and what he was doing. We had the same circle of friends and family. My friend Dee and Dale worked together at the Nevada Schools. And, I am a cousin to Jean (Adrian, Jamie) Heintz who was an employee of Nevada Schools. Jean and Adrian welcomed Dale into their home for so many years. Jean spoke of Dale in such a warming and caring way and that was Dale . What a privilege to have known Dale as a friend through so many years. "
"Me Dunn was my favorite teacher from elementary school! Mr. Dunn taught me to enjoy reading and opened me up to all the joys of a good book! He was kind and cared about all his students. We were blessed to have him a couple years as he switched positions. You could always trust you would leave his class feeling better than when you came in. He made a difference in many students lives and will be greatly missed! "
"Sorry to hear of Dale (Mr. Dunn as I know him) passing. Mr. Dunn taught myself and my class mates in the sixth grade at Milford. Then he actually moved up to junior high (7th grade ) with us. Our class has many memories of him. Prayers go out to his family."
"An amazing teacher and purely, just a good person. He will be missed."
"My sympathies to all of Dale's family. He handled his illness with such grace and such a positive attitude. May God wrap his comforting arms around you all. Alan Hilleman"
"So sorry to hear of Dale?s passing. I have many great memories of Dale when he visited my Grandma Ruckman. Hugs and prayers to the family. ???? DeAnna (Rhodes) Overman"
"Dale was a beloved family friend. He loved to play cards and was always laughing. He will be missed, but left a legacy of students and learning that endure. "
"Dale was the greatest guy! He was generous, kind and knew no strangers. He loved working at the home place keeping it tidy and neat and planting greenery to make the yard pretty and inviting. He will be so missed. RIP dear Dale. "