Dale William Fox was born on a farm southeast of New Haven on July 1, 1929, the son of Henry V. and Eva (Dynes) Fox. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven of which he was a life-long member. Dale attended the rural school and graduated from the Osage High School. Following graduation, he helped his father with farming. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 31, 1951 serving a tour of duty in Korea. Dale received the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He was discharged on August 30, 1954 and returned home to farm. He also spent many years a seed corn dealer.

In October of 1953 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Miller and they set up farming southeast of New Haven. They became the parents of nine children. He was later married to Marian Leff on their Mitchell County farm on June 26, 1998.

Dale was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus, the Iowa Trappers Association, the National Trappers Association, Pheasants Forever, the Fur Takers of America, the Farm Bureau and the Riceville Country Club. He was an outdoors man who liked hunting, fishing and trapping. He enjoyed playing bridge and attending swap meets. Most of all, Dale was very fond of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending his time with them.

He is survived by his wife, Marian; his nine children and spouses: Christian and Lori Fox of Black River Falls, Wis., Cheryl and Mark Jahnel of Orchard, Iowa, Sheila and Steve Kobliska of Alta Vista, Iowa, Bruce and Cathy Fox of Owatonna, Minn., Neal and May Fox of Fresno, Cal., Trudy and Mike O'Donnell of Elma, Iowa, Sue and Rich Hermanson of Decorah, Iowa, Frank and Julie Fox of Mason City, Iowa, and Travis Fox of Osage, Iowa; six step-children: Dean Thein of Fredericksburg, Iowa, Cindy and Jeff Sharp of Urbandale, Iowa, April and Randy Wehling of Sumner, Iowa, Randy and Laurie Thein of Fredericksburg, Iowa, Connie Thein of Urbandale, Iowa, and Tony and Lisa Thein of Fredericksburg, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; nine step-grandchildren; four brothers: Victor and Curt of Osage, Larry of Riceville, Iowa, and Jerry of Elma; one sister: Doris Kulage of Bridgeton, Missouri.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Brian Jahnel.

Dale died Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at his home after a short illness. Funeral Services were held Friday, June 30, 2000 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in New Haven with inurnment in the church cemetery. Rev. John A. Moser presided. Conway Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Military services were performed by the Roy-Gue Post of the American Legion of Riceville.

Source: Riceville Recorder July 6, 2000
from Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee