Dale, Harold Eugene 1934 - 2024

DALE, ROBBINS, WOODWARD, FELPER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/29/2024 at 11:27:44

Harold Eugene Dale died Sept. 16, 2024 at his home in Decorah.

H. Eugene Dale (Gene) was born Jan. 15, 1934 to Harold L. and Rachel E. (Robbins) Dale in Barrington, Illinois. He attended school and graduated from Hirsch High School in Chicago. Gene came to Iowa as a teenager after high school and attended Iowa State University in the ag program. In later years he attended Luther College in the arts program.

Gene was united in marriage to Mary Lou Woodward (Orchard, Iowa) on Oct. 16, 1954, at the United Methodist Church in Osage. From this union three children were born: Kathleen, Arlene and Russell. Gene and family farmed in the Orchard and Riceville areas in Mitchell County. The primary interests in farming were crops and livestock consisting of dairy cattle then beef cattle, hogs and horses. Farming continued for 39 years until 1996.

Gene and Mary Lou divorced in 1994 but remained friends through the years.

In 1997, Gene sold his farm and equipment and moved to the Decorah area where he intensified his interest in oil painting, attending art workshops in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Gene did considerable oil painting from 1989 until present, mainly birds, wildlife and landscape. His work was accepted into juried exhibitions across the U.S. Gene also had a big interest in photography which he used as reference material for his artwork. Gene also liked hunting and fishing when time allowed and was treasurer for the Upper Iowa Audubon.

He was an active member in the Congregational UCC in Osage and later in Decorah.

Surviving are two children: Arlene (Den) Felper of Riceville, Iowa, and Russell (Kathy) Dale of Elmhurst, Illinois; grandchildren: Todd Felper of Riceville, Jodi Felper of Westgate, Iowa, Craig (Nikki) Felper of New Hampton, Angie (Bill) Mahr of Lime Springs, Shawn Mayer of Riceville, and Nathan, Justin, Christian, and Kathryn Dale of Elmhurst; 11 great-grandchildren; and two nieces: Sharon and Debra Dale, of Mt. Prospect, Illinois.

Gene was preceded in death by Mary Lou (2019), daughter Kathy (2014), his mother (2008), brother Ron (1998), and his father (1975).

Gene’s final wishes were to be cremated. His family will hold a private celebration of life.

Source: Decorah Newspapers Oct. 23, 2024