Dale was born on August 23, 1931 in South Dakota to Harry and Gertrude Fleming and attended Corwith High School in Corwith, Iowa. Dale’s hopes of pursuing a career in farming were dashed when he was stricken with polio at the age of 19.
He came to Des Moines and received his Master’s Degree in Education at Drake University. Dale taught for more than 30 years in Des Moines public schools, including 18 years as assistant principal at Samuelson Elementary. Dale was a member of the Des Moines, State of Iowa and National Education Associations.
A lover of nature and the outdoors, Dale especially enjoyed the spring planting and fall harvest seasons. His yard in Beaverdale (where he was affectionately called “The Mayor of 48th Place,” riding his scooter up and down the block visiting with all the neighbors) was always filled with flowers and his many tomato plants and other vegetables.
Dale and his wife, Donna, traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states. They enjoyed cruising and were able to visit Hawaii, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and all areas of the Caribbean. He and Donna also enjoyed their many years of membership and participation in the Talent Limited play reading group.
After retirement, Dale and Donna spent 18 winters in the Valley of the Sun in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying the health benefits and the many friends they made there, both locals and snowbirds alike. Dale’s Arizona flower gardens were the envy of the neighborhood.
Dale will be lovingly missed by his wife Donna, son Frank (Judy) of Iowa City, daughter Debi (Chris) Frank of Des Moines, son Eric (Lesley) of Dallas, Texas, and stepdaughter Linda Gilman and stepson Steve Berry of Des Moines. Grandchildren include Ned, Amelia and Claire Fleming; Adam (Sarah) Frank and Courtney (Ross) Gray; and Grace and Ryder Fleming. Great-grandchildren are Autumn and Bowen Gray. Dale was especially proud of his children and grandchildren in their educational and career achievements. Also surviving are sisters Shirley Davis and Jean (John) Sample. Preceding Dale in death were his parents, and sisters Alberta Will, Liz Ramus, and Tony Fleming.
Dale donated his body to the Iowa Donor Network.
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