Don Hale
November 21, 1923 - March 7, 2019
From: Nevada, IA
Don Hale, age 95, of Nevada, Iowa, died Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Rolling Green Village in Nevada.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada, with visitation one hour prior to services and military honors by William F. Ball Post No. 48 of the American Legion. Pastor John Molacek will officiate. Private family burial will be in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery.
Born November 21, 1923, in Deep River, Iowa, Donald Arthur Hale was the son of Arthur and Edith (Symington) Hale. In 1942, Don graduated from Maxwell High School, then served honorably from 1943-46 in the United States Army during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. For his military service, Don earned the Infantry Combat Badge and the Bronze Star.
Following the war, Don returned to Iowa and attended dental school at the University of Iowa, where he met and later, on August 20, 1949, married Henrietta Moershel at the family garden in Homestead, Iowa. In 1951, Don purchased his dental practice in Nevada, and faithfully served the area until retiring in 1996. He worked tirelessly over the years and appreciated every minute he so fondly devoted to his patients.
Don was very active, both in his personal life and in the community. He loved the water and enjoyed summer vacations at Manhattan Beach in Okoboji for more than 40 years as well as winters in Corpus Christi, Texas, for over 20 years. Bicycling with his buddies, fishing, boating, and water skiing were among the activities in which he reveled. At age 60, Don tested his hand at wind surfing and, upon discovering his great love for the sport, kept perfecting his skill until over the age of 85!
He belonged to the Nevada Rotary Club, Post No. 48 of the American Legion, and was a member of the Nevada School Board. He also served on the board and was a valued volunteer at the Maxwell Museum, and for ten years helped with Working Bikes Chicago, a non-profit devoted to refurbishing bicycles for use in the Caribbean, Africa, and South America.
Left to celebrate his life and mourn his passing are his wife of nearly 70 years, Henrietta; three children, Nancy Hale of North Liberty, Tom Hale of Sacramento, CA, and Bill (Chyrel) Hale of Nixa, MO; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Katherine Helfrich of Northbrook, IL; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Don and his family. Memorials in Don’s memory may be directed to Central Presbyterian Church, 932 5th Street, Nevada, IA 50201, or Summit Family Dental in Nevada.
Condolences
Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 8:15 PM
“What an amazing life this man led! I can only hope to be as active and involved as Dr Hale was.
Dr. Hale was not only my dentist, but he was also the father of my dearest friend Nancy. As teenagers I’m sure we tested every particle of patience he had. Nevertheless, he was always kind and generous. I have many fond memories of Dr Hale. Sending Nancy and her family my love and prayers. ”
- Becky Hauser
Friday, April 5, 2019 at 12:20 PM
“Don was a true gentleman. Always kind and honest, with a warm smile for everyone. ”
- Francine and Thomas Paisley
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11:21 AM
“Dearest Nani,
We have been thinking of you. Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Uncle Don
Love Always,
Heidi ”
- Heidi Sandersfeld
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 11:23 AM
“Such a lovely, sweet man. It was a joy to know him.”
- Joelyn Gast
Monday, March 25, 2019 at 9:06 AM
“Hank we send you our deepest sympathies on your loss.
The children always looked forward to their HALLOWEEN toothbrushes. May you find comfort in knowing that others care about you deeply. Yours in P.E.O. also. Joyce and Dave Polaski
”
- Joyce and David Polaski
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 11:39 AM
“We lived next to the Hale's on 8th street for nearly 20 years. They were the best neighbors we could have hoped for! Our kids would "trade" bikes with him- they would give him their bike that was too small and he would up-size them. May God help you through this difficult time and bless you going forward. Don may not be physically here but his spirit and the memories will live on.”
- Renee Novak
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 11:39 AM
“Don & I were so sad to hear of Don’s passing. Don & Hank & family were best friends of my parents, Don & Aileen Williams, close neighbors, same church, family fun times, picnics, dinners & vacations. So many great memories of our families together! Don was a pillar of the Nevada community. He will be missed by so many people. With prayers & sympathy, Don & Donna Smith”
- Donald S & Donna (Wliiams)Smith
Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 8:28 AM
“My condolences to Henrietta and family. Don was a fine man of outstanding character. I always enjoyed our conversations.”
- Terry Baugh
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 6:41 AM
“While I never met Don in person, we on occasion corresponded. He and I served with the 56th Armored Infantry Battalion, 12th Armored Division in combat in France and Germany. He was with Headquarters Company and I was in "A" Company. He was a radio operator and I was a rifleman. My most sincere condolences are extended to his wife, Henrietta. Don was a member in good standing of the 12th Armored Division Association. He was a gentleman and friend, and he most certainly shall be missed..”
- A. Edward Pierce
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 8:45 AM
“On behalf of the 12th Armored Division Association, accept our deepest sympathy at the passing of this wonderful Hellcat. His service and sacrifice will long be remembered and appreciated.”
- Peggy Anne Vosseler
Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 5:24 PM
“I am so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. Don & my father Gordon Lundy were college roommates at the University of Iowa & remained lifelong friends. Don & Henrietta were very dear to our family. My father & Don must be swapping stories in Heaven now. ”
- Ruth Mary Lundy Monroe
Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 8:52 AM
“Doc Hale was a genuine human being. I met him at Rotary and he always talked about the pride he had for our fire department. We spent a lot of time at Rotary as two Veterans talking about his service during the war. I am in awe of how he served our great nation and our community. No one I know has lived such a full and honorable life. I'm going to miss our Rotary chats very much. Rest easy Soldier, we will take the watch from here. ”
- Ray Reynolds
Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 8:52 AM
“Doc was one of my favorite people to take care of. We had a bond that regardless of his condition he seemed to become alert and aware of who I was and it soothes him. I will cherish every moment spent with him and Hank. To the heavens my friend. D”
- Demetreus Griffin
Friday, March 8, 2019 at 8:23 PM
“My sympathy and prayers to all of Don's family. I remember him as my childhood dentist,;his kindness and care for children was always apparent. He served Nevada so well, and he will be missed. Special thoughts go to my NHS Class of 1969 classmate, Tom Hale. God bless you all and give you His peace.”
- Vicki (Christy) Schnack
Friday, March 8, 2019 at 8:23 PM
“Don and his family are part of my best memories growing up. We vacationed with the Hales at Okoboji for many years. I will never forget the sound of his flipflops as he walked along the docks, beaches and sidewalks.
My Dad, D.O. "Rusty" Faulkner and Don were high school friends and loved attending the annual class reunions in Maxwell.
He was special to me. May this time bring stories and memories back to treasure and share.”
- Patrice Faulkner Sayre
Friday, March 8, 2019 at 8:23 PM
“He was the best dentist
Gave the best Halloween prizes - toothbrushes and toothpaste
He was a wonderful friend to so many
His parents were jewels
His parents loved children
Named Nevada day care after her edith hale child care center
His dad called the three scudder girls. ' flopsey, mopsey, and cottontail
Babysat his children when.they lived on j Avenue
Don and hank were best neighbors possible -to lots, but I know to the post family- my son's on laws
His corner contained best Presbyterians- hales and Dawson
They visited my parents in Florida often' best visits
Best Nevada smile
Great long life
Bless you all and love
”
- Francy Scudder Henderson
Friday, March 8, 2019 at 8:23 PM
“Our sympathy to the Hale family. He was my dentist growing up in Nevada
and was such a gentle guy. Don always had a smile every time
he would greet you. He will be greatly missed.
Nancy Stefani Grimm”
- Nancy Stefani Grimm
Friday, March 8, 2019 at 3:48 PM
“Monica and I are so saddened to hear of the loss of Don. He was a pillar of Nevada and will be missed tremendously by all who had the pleasure to have known him. R.I.P., Dr. Hale.
”
- Murray Lounsberry
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