Christianson, Dale Richard

Dale Richard Christianson, 91, of Norway, Iowa, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, from complications of Alzheimer's disease 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 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Hrabak Funeral Home, 1704 Seventh Ave., Belle Plaine. Brosh Funeral Home in Norway is handling the arrangements.

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

Surviving are his daughters, Candy (Ken) Osterhaus and 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; a sister, Marilyn Perkins of Morton, Ill.; 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 in 1983. He was a member of the Benton City Lodge No. 81 of Grand Lodge of Iowa and in 1998, received his 50-year pin as a Grand Master. He was also a member of Peace United Methodist Church in Norway, Iowa. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman. He also loved his John Deere tractors. He had a gift of telling stories and could strike up a conversation with anyone. The highlight of his life was his grandchildren and 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.

Published March 29, 2013 in The Gazette