Dale Robert Heitland, 85, of Hampton, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Israel Family Hospice in Ames. Woodley Funeral Home of Hampton is caring for Dale and his family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton with Pastor Nikoli Falenschek officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Following the service, Dale will be laid to rest at Hampton Cemetery.
Dale was born on November 12, 1938, in Hampton, IA to Herman and Catherine (Janssen) Heitland. He was the youngest of 5 children. Dale grew up on the family farm by Hansell and graduated from Hansell High School in 1957. He was active in FFA and played basketball and baseball. He played softball after graduating. On May 29, 1965, he was united in marriage to Ann (Pendergraft) Heitland and to their union, two daughters were born: Teresa and Laurie. Dale and his wife Ann made a wonderful couple and complimented each other well when it came to managing their farm and household. He farmed for most of his life. He had cattle early in his farming career. He grew grain and raised hogs for many years. After he retired, he raised small groups of chickens. He met many new friends with the farm fresh eggs.
Dale was strong, hardworking, quiet and resilient. It was only after getting to know Dale well, that you would get the opportunity to experience his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a simple, traditional, and well-respected man. Dale wasn’t much for crowds but thoroughly enjoyed those close to him who would stop and visit for coffee.
Dale enjoyed fishing, watching Hawkeye football and basketball and the KC Chiefs. In his younger years he also had a motorcycle that he loved to ride. That evolved to a scooter and finally a side-by-side which he used on the farm for chores.
Above all else, his family was of the upmost importance and he really valued the time that he spent with his family and close friends. He had a strong faith and was ready to be reunited in heaven with his wife Ann. His legacy will continue on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Teresa (Bryce Feldhoff) Heitland of Ames, IA and Laurie (Tod) Huen of Claremore, OK; grandchildren: Heather (Robert) Robinett, Harley (Audrey) Coyne, Isaac Feldhoff and Lane Huen; great-grandchildren: Carter Robinett, Cooper Robinett and one on the way; nephews: Mike (Jan) Heitland and Kevin (Jerre) Rust and many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Heitland in 2017; parents, Herman and Catherine Heitland and siblings: George Heitland, Clarence Heitland, John Heitland and Lorraine Rust.
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