Obituaries : Dale Richard Christianson

Dale Richard Christianson, 91 of Norway, Iowa passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, March 27th from complications of Alzheimer's at Iowa City Rehab and Health Care Center. He had been a resident there since 2009.

Visitation will be on Saturday, March 30, from 9:00-11:00 am and the funeral service at 11:00 am at the Hrabak Funeral Home at 1704 7th Avenue in Belle Plaine, Iowa. Brosh Funeral Home in Norway is handling the arrangements.

He was born on August 29th, 1921 in Norway, Iowa to Gilmer and Cora (Larson) Christianson. He married Esther Hamman on April 9th, 1955 in Shellsburg, Iowa. He graduated from Norway High School in 1939 where he also enjoyed playing baseball.

Surviving are his daughters, Candy (Ken) Osterhaus, Dee Anna (Roger) Volz, grandchildren, Dawnette (Brett) Richards, Doug (Tyera) Hess, Breanne (Matt) Fettkether and Barry Volz (Amy Andrew-Behrle), great-grandchildren, Lucas Richards and Tawny Hess. He is also survived by a sister, Marilyn Perkins of Morton, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Esther, parents Cora and Gilmer Christianson, sister Germaine Dennis and brother-in-law Van Perkins.

Dale was a farmer and also retired from Iowa Steel and Iron Works in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1983. He was a member of the Benton City Lodge No. 81 Grand Lodge of Iowa and received his 50 year membership in 1998 as a Grand Master. He was also a member of the Peace United Methodist Church in Norway, Iowa. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman and also his John Deere tractors. He had a gift of telling stories and could strike up conversation with anyone. The highlight of his life was his grandchildren where he enjoyed spending time with them on the farm and attending their school events. Dale also enjoyed a good garage sale. He will be deeply missed by his family.