Morningstar, Walter Dale

Walter Dale Morningstar passed away June 21, 2010, at his home in Auburn, Calif., peacefully in his sleep.

He was born Nov. 26, 1921, in Walker, Iowa, to Charles and Reatha Morningstar. Dale graduated from Franklin High School in 1940 and Coe College in 1944, both in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a member of the Coe College “22.” He served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant during World War II, participated in the Battle of the Bulge and was a Purple Heart recipient twice.

(Just a note: Walter Dale, his brother, Laverne, and his dad, Charles, all were employees of the Cedar Rapids Gazette a long time ago. Great memories!)

He met Martha Jean Pritchard at Wilshire Christian Church in Los Angeles and they married on Dec. 12, 1947. They were longtime residents of Burbank and Glendale, Calif., for over 50 years when they moved to Auburn, Calif., to be near their children. They were married for 58 years when Martha passed away in 2006.

Dale enjoyed his work as a certified public accountant, always loved math and computers, and worked for Southern California Gas Co. for many years, but his family was always his priority. He was so loyal and loving and generous. He was blessed with a sharp wit and great sense of humor, always teasing and endearing people to him. He has left his mark on the world in such a positive way, in fighting for our freedoms, setting the highest standard of honesty and integrity, and holding family values in high esteem. He has always been greatly loved and now also will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha; their son, Marc Alan; his parents; and his six siblings.

He is survived by his two children, Margo Smith (Steve) of Layton, Utah, and Jon Morningstar (Karen) of Auburn, Calif.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A public viewing will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, June 28, and private family graveside service at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any contributions be made in Dale's name to Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice, 11795 Education St., Suite 224, Auburn, CA 95602, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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