Buresh, Dale Joseph

Dale Joesph Buresh, 67, of Ely, passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church near Ely, where Dale was a member all of his life. Burial will follow in Rogers Grove Cemetery, northeast of Ely. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

Dale was born Feb. 14, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Edwin and Martha (Blazek) Buresh. He graduated from Prairie High School in its first graduating class. He then was in the Army for six years. He married Betty Koutny on Aug. 19, 1967. Dale was a proud member of the Local 308 Carpenters Union of Cedar Rapids for 38 years. He also attended auctioneering school and was a licensed auctioneer, helping out as an auctioneer at small local auctions and church bake sales. Dale and Betty loved visiting South Texas every February on an extended vacation. Parasailing was a must for Dale on each returning trip. Dale had a passion for dancing and loved to be around people. Many friends, co-workers and family called him, “Grandpa Dale.”

Another passion of Dale's was cooking, baking and making sauerkraut each returning summer. He carried many family Czech recipes along to his children. Dale loved to take small Sunday trips in the car with Betty, traveling around Iowa, sightseeing and attending Polka fests. He will miss his current job at the Solon Community Schools, where he made many close friends and loved opening up the school every morning for the children.

He adored his six grandchildren who he loved very much - going to their 4-H shows, soccer games, gymnastics meets and church functions.

Leaving to carry on his love of life are his wife, Betty; daughters, Brenda (David) Lindemann of Solon and Dawn (Mike) DeMean of Anamosa; six wonderful grandchildren, Makayla and Shawna Lindemann, Spencer, Dylan, Madison and Morgan DeMean; twin brother, Dennis (Mary Ann) Buresh; sister, Diane (Jeff) Reist; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Martha Buresh; and his brother, Richard Buresh.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at