Obituary for Dale James Joseph Donlin
Dale Donlin, 86, of Le Mars passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. A time of visitation with the family present will take place on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars.
Dale James Joseph Donlin was born on May 29, 1935, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of William “Bill” and Lilah (Brown) Donlin. He graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1953. Dale enlisted in the United States Navy in August of 1953. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and on the last liberty in Havana.
Following the service, Dale worked as a printer for the Le Mars Globe Post, the Beresford Republic, the Macon Telegraph, the Atlanta Constitution and the Sioux City Journal. He worked for GCC Alliance Concrete in Le Mars for 49 years.
Dale volunteered at the Plymouth County Museum where he served as president. He was instrumental in the creation of the downtown Le Mars display and getting the printing press operational. Dale was always ready to help when asked. He enjoyed working in his shop. He made so many things from an entire deck to the smallest bird which he displayed in his yard. He could fix anything. Dale loved to garden and planted tomatoes, which he generously shared with others. He also planted all kinds of flowers and raised African Violets indoors. His yard was his pride and joy.
Dale and Pat traveled to visit their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for many years. The places they went were always warm because Dale loved warm. All his life, he took the scenic route. Dale will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Donlin of Le Mars, IA; nine children, Terri Donlin of Clearwater, FL, Cynthia Pageler of Wenatchee, WA, Cheryl (John) Moriarty of Moneta, IA, Robert (Terryl) Susie of Livermore, CA, Stephen Michael Donlin of Le Mars, IA, Lilah Jo (Michael) Calhoun of Killeen, TX, Laurie Susie of Scottsdale, AZ, Kristina (Marty) Mashburn of Franklin, NC and Christopher (Sheila) Susie of Singapore; 20 grandchildren, Chip, Cedar, Jesse, Caitlin, Heidi, Bryan, Christoffer, Alexandria, Joshua (Pam), Charles, David (Heather), Jerrold (McKella), Brandon (Ashley), Ashley (David), Matthew, Jillian, Nicole, Paige, Alexandra and Samantha; 28 great-grandchildren, Abigail, Hannah, David, Lily, Rachel, Jonathan, Hope, Makayla, Alex, Mackinzie, Jaida, Brooklyn, Adrianna, Aniyah, Mikey, Willow, Marlie, Kylee, Cora, Mila, Hunter, Hayden, Rilee, D.J., C.J., Ainsley, Teagan, Alexandra and Damian; a sister, Lorraine Becker, sister-in-law, Sharon Donlin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Evelyn Small; brothers, Jack Donlin and Gary Donlin; brothers-in-law, Gene Becker, Roscoe Small and Rex Shober; and a sister-in-law, Arline Shober.
Dale James Joseph Donlin was born on May 29, 1935, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of William “Bill” and Lilah (Brown) Donlin. He graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1953. Dale enlisted in the United States Navy in August of 1953. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict and on the last liberty in Havana.
Following the service, Dale worked as a printer for the Le Mars Globe Post, the Beresford Republic, the Macon Telegraph, the Atlanta Constitution and the Sioux City Journal. He worked for GCC Alliance Concrete in Le Mars for 49 years.
Dale volunteered at the Plymouth County Museum where he served as president. He was instrumental in the creation of the downtown Le Mars display and getting the printing press operational. Dale was always ready to help when asked. He enjoyed working in his shop. He made so many things from an entire deck to the smallest bird which he displayed in his yard. He could fix anything. Dale loved to garden and planted tomatoes, which he generously shared with others. He also planted all kinds of flowers and raised African Violets indoors. His yard was his pride and joy.
Dale and Pat traveled to visit their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for many years. The places they went were always warm because Dale loved warm. All his life, he took the scenic route. Dale will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Donlin of Le Mars, IA; nine children, Terri Donlin of Clearwater, FL, Cynthia Pageler of Wenatchee, WA, Cheryl (John) Moriarty of Moneta, IA, Robert (Terryl) Susie of Livermore, CA, Stephen Michael Donlin of Le Mars, IA, Lilah Jo (Michael) Calhoun of Killeen, TX, Laurie Susie of Scottsdale, AZ, Kristina (Marty) Mashburn of Franklin, NC and Christopher (Sheila) Susie of Singapore; 20 grandchildren, Chip, Cedar, Jesse, Caitlin, Heidi, Bryan, Christoffer, Alexandria, Joshua (Pam), Charles, David (Heather), Jerrold (McKella), Brandon (Ashley), Ashley (David), Matthew, Jillian, Nicole, Paige, Alexandra and Samantha; 28 great-grandchildren, Abigail, Hannah, David, Lily, Rachel, Jonathan, Hope, Makayla, Alex, Mackinzie, Jaida, Brooklyn, Adrianna, Aniyah, Mikey, Willow, Marlie, Kylee, Cora, Mila, Hunter, Hayden, Rilee, D.J., C.J., Ainsley, Teagan, Alexandra and Damian; a sister, Lorraine Becker, sister-in-law, Sharon Donlin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Evelyn Small; brothers, Jack Donlin and Gary Donlin; brothers-in-law, Gene Becker, Roscoe Small and Rex Shober; and a sister-in-law, Arline Shober.