Piersall, Dale Stanley

DALE STANLEY PIERSALL, 95, a resident of Hallmar Care Center, died at Hallmar on May 1, 2013.

Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. David Beckman officiating. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. (vigil prayer service at 4 p.m.) Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, and one hour before the service Saturday at the church. Interment: St. John's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, with military honors.

Dale was born July 26, 1917, in Bennett, Iowa, the son of Earl Stanley and Iva Lorraine (Myers) Piersall. Dale graduated from Grant High School in Cedar Rapids in January 1935. After graduation he worked for Cities Service Oil Co. In 1942, he met Laura Cecilia Swenka and they were married Oct. 4, 1942. In April 1943, he entered into active service with the Army Corps of Engineers. During World War II, Dale served in the Galapagos Islands as a firefighter. Dale was awarded the American Theatre Campaign Ribbon with four Overseas Service Bars. At war's end, he returned to civilian life in Cedar Rapids.

In 1946, he began work for the City of Cedar Rapids Water Department. In 1955, Dale moved to the Assessor's Office for the City of Cedar Rapids. In 1965, he was appointed the City Assessor and served in that post until his retirement in 1983.

During his tenure as City Assessor he was a member of the Iowa Association of Assessing Officers, where he served a term as president. He also was a member of the Regional, National and International associations of assessing officers. Dale was a member of the American Legion and St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Dale was a founding member of Metco Credit Union and served on its board for many years. Dale volunteered as a Boy Scout leader and also volunteered at The Salvation Army, Witwer Center, and with several church groups.

Dale and Laura enjoyed traveling extensively, including two trips to Europe and trips to Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the United States. Dale and Laura enjoyed dancing and playing bridge with several bridge groups.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 67 years, Laura C. Piersall in 2010; his beloved daughter, Barbara J. Piersall in 1973; his brothers, Lloyd M. Piersall and Arnold C. Piersall; and his sister, Verda Snyder.

Dale is survived by his son, James A. (Monica) Piersall of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Matthew Dale (Janey Jill) Piersall of Cedar Rapids, Valerie T. (Michael) Herring of Golden Valley, Minn., and John J. Piersall of Brooklyn, N.Y.; four great-grandchildren, Mattie and Elaine Piersall of Cedar Rapids and Ainsley and Claudia Herring of Golden Valley, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Angeline Russell and Mary Jean Swenka of Iowa City, Irene Swenka of Strawberry Point and Donna Piersall of Menomonie, Wis.; numerous nephews and nieces; and the Brunkhorsts, his extended family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hallmar Care Center who so lovingly cared for Dale for the past years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dale's name may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church or the Mercy Medical Foundation (Hallmar).

Please leave a message or tribute to the Piersall family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published May 3, 2013 in The Gazette