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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Emory Sample II
EMORY DALE SAMPLE II
Cedar Rapids
Emory Dale Sample II, 71, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in Ballwin, Mo.
He was born Sept. 14, 1945, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Emory and Frankie Sample, and was the oldest of four children.
Growing up, Dale was an avid reader and loved to learn, becoming valedictorian in 1963 at Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he excelled in basketball and tennis. He liked sports, especially ice hockey.
He furthered his education at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., receiving a B.S. in chemical engineering. He interned at Quaker Oats while attending college and he helped develop Bugles and Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.
Following college, he enlisted in the Navy and became a naval officer during the Vietnam War. Following the Navy, he enrolled in graduate school at the University of Chicago and received an MBA. He continued to work until his death and was employed by Starrco, Maryland Heights, Mo., as director of operations and quality.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Frankie Sample; and former wife, Susan Marsh Knutson Sample.
Dale is survived by his wife, Kathy Sample; his children, Matthew Sample and Lyssa McGurren; stepchildren, Mimi Knutson Mayfield, Kenny Knutson and Pat Cronin (Jill); his sister, Jackie Thomas (Ron); brother, Bob Sample (Elaine); sister, Theresa Nunez; former wife, Sarah Sample; six grandchildren; one great- grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dale was a kind and gentle giant towering over us at 6-foot-5. Dale was very devoted to his family and was a great listener.
He was a thinker and surprised us with his quick wit. He was loved deeply by his family and we will miss him immensely.
Dale was buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis. St. Louis Cremation handled arrangements.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 22, at Manhattan Pavilion in Ellis Park, Cedar Rapids, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a prayer service and sharing at 12:30 p.m. Please remember Dale by sharing his life with us over food and fellowship.
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