Dale L. Hilton

Dale Lynn Hilton, 88, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2016. He was preceded by his parents, Carl and Anna, and his brother, Clarence. Dale leaves behind his wife of 66-years, Norma M. (nee, Zellmer); children, Janet (Edward) Peterson, Mark (Barbara) Hilton, Dr. Matthew (Sheri) Hilton, James (Bonnie) Hilton; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dale attended Iowa State College, where he met Norma. In 1950, the two were married in Atlantic, Iowa. He began his working life as proprietor of the Strand Sweet Shop in Fort Dodge, then worked at banks in Fort Dodge, Belmont, Wisconsin, West Des Moines and Sioux City, before returning to West Bank in West Des Moines. He retired in 2003. He and Norma continued to live at the Lodge of Ashworth, enjoying pool, ping pong, and other activities with many dear friends.

Dale was devoted to his family, his church and to his abiding faith in the Lord. He was active at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Living History Farms and Lions Club. It is noteworthy that Dale thrived for 77+ years as an insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetic, having contracted the ailment at age 11, at a time when treatment was just being developed. Eli Lilly & Company recently recognized him for this accomplishment, having outlived the “odds,” and the opinions of a few of his doctors who predicted his early demise!

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers his family suggests donations to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265 or JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 3580 EP True Parkway, Suite 101, West Des Moines, IA 50265.