Milton 'ML' Hale

MILTON LEE "ML" HALE

Cedar Rapids

Milton Lee "ML" Hale, 85, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, March 17, 2017, at Northbrook Manor Care Center. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at The Church on Northland (First Baptist Church Church of the Brethren).

Milton was born Sept. 17, 1931, the youngest son of David and Elizabeth (Mefferd) Hale. He was raised in Cedar Rapids and lived there most of his life, living in Anamosa for a brief time. He worked hard at many different jobs during his life but was self-employed most of his career, which he enjoyed immensely. On Jan. 27, 1951, he was married to his beautiful wife, Jeanette Bacon. They were married for

61 ½ years until her death in 2012.

ML cherished his wife and demonstrated a beautiful example of sacrificial love for her to the very end of her life. He was a dedicated Dad, Grampa and Great-Grampa, who showed his love for his kids by being present and engaged in their lives. His grandkids and great-grandkids were his pure delight and he had a great impact in all of their lives. Family was a significant part of his life and that was apparent to anyone who knew him. ML never knew a stranger and engaged in conversation with ease. Volunteering was a big part of his life, and he volunteered with his wife in the gift shop at St. Luke's for many years. He was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan and wore his Hawkeye attire as a badge of honor.

Giving to others was something ML did without thought for himself. He lived his life committed to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that was evident in the life he lived. He was an active member at Calvary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, First Baptist Church in Anamosa and The Church on Northland in Cedar Rapids. He and Jeanette spent many years as members of Gideons International and found great satisfaction in that ministry.

He is survived by his five children, Jim (Joan) Hale, Jerry (Audrey) Hale, Jennifer (John) Kennedy, Jolene (Al) Bierbrodt and John (Mary) Hale; 14 grandkids; 25 great-grandkids; and two great-great-grandkids. He also is survived by his sister, Darlene Pruett.

He was preceded in death by his lifetime helpmate, Jeanette; parents, sisters and brothers.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice and all the staff at Northbrook Manor Care Center for the incredible support and care that they provided to our Dad, Milton.

In lieu of flowers, Milton has requested that donations be made to The Gideons International, Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C., 20090-7251.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.