Dr. Dale Ferguson

Dale was born on a farm in Laurens, Iowa, the youngest of 5 boys in his family and graduated from Laurens High School in 1954. He was awarded the American Farmer degree by the Future Farmers of America. To many people, Dale will always be known as “Doc” because he graduated from Iowa State University and worked as a veterinarian for over 30 years before following a higher calling to minister in the name of Jesus. Dale believed in beautifying the earth wherever he lived as exemplified in his passion for flowers and landscaping and his passion for winning souls to Christ.

In the first half of his life, Dale was a champion sheep breeder and known throughout the USA for his purebred Cheviot sheep which placed first in numerous sheep shows. Later in life, his sheep breeding transformed to shepherding the Lord’s people. Dale went on missionary trips to the Philippines three times, Scotland once, and throughout the Midwest numerous times. He also hosted Bible study groups in his home continuously for over 20 years. Family was particularly important to Dale and he sincerely loved all of the many people he considered to be his family. His children and grandchildren held an extra special place in Dale’s heart and he always looked forward to gatherings large and small. Some of Dale’s special interests included travelling, fishing, antiques, sailing ships and nautical items, the Revolutionary War, and a love of sports. He was a loyal fan of the Iowa State Cyclones. His family will always remember how he loved to drink lemonade, especially on a hot summer day while sitting on a patio looking at his garden.

Dale was preceded in death by his mother Gladys, his brother Donald, and his father Earl. He is survived by his wife Kathi, Bella Vista, AR; six children, Cynthia (Harry Charger), Eagle Butte, SD, Jennifer (Joseph A. Winslow), Overland Park, KS, Melissa (Rene Ticao), Olathe, KS, Scott Ferguson, Atlanta, GA, Jack (Suzanne) Shields, Blaine, MN, and Jodi (Travis Galloway), Mechanicsville, IA; 13 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Arnold W. Ferguson, Tacoma, WA, E. John Ferguson, Spirit Lake, IA, and Robert D. Ferguson, Ames, IA; and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at Faith Builders Family Church in Rogers.

Interment will be held at Laurens Municipal Cemetery in Laurens, Iowa.

Condolences may be offered at www.rollinsfuneral.com