Dale Roe, age 76, of Ames, Iowa, passed away on December 7, 2023. A celebration of life will be held on December 16, 2023, from 1 - 3 pm. at Grandon Funeral Home located at 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa.

Dale Martin Roe was born on August 22, 1947, to Mark and Marie (Klippel) Roe in Boone, Iowa. He was their only child and the light of their lives. Dale grew up on the family farm just south of Boone, where he enjoyed riding his horse and was taught the value of hard work.

Dale graduated from South Hamilton High School in 1965. Two years later, he enlisted in the military to serve this noble nation honorably in the Army from 1967 to 1969. While he never really spoke much about his time in the military, serving left a lasting impression on his life. He was a proud veteran who wore his army baseball cap everywhere and donated to charities that help veterans with life after leaving the military.

Dale began his secondary education at Des Moines Area Community College, graduating in 1974 with his Associate's Degree. Afterward, he headed to Iowa State University, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture. He interned as a groundskeeper at Iowa State University, leading to a full-time position and forty years of service. Dale received the Iowa Sports Turf Manager of the Year in 1994 and was recognized for excellence by the Iowa Sports Turf Managers Association in 2002.

Dale was united in marriage to Linda Louise Dally on September 24, 1966. They were blessed with two children, Dan and Stephanie. He taught his children the value of a dollar, being independent, honoring your word, and being kind from a young age.

Dale loved to travel and see the many sights of this remarkable country. He believed that we could learn a lot from history by visiting historical places of the past. When Dale wasn't traveling in the summer, he spent his time with another passion: cars. Dale spent several years restoring a Model T, for which he won best in show. Later, he purchased a 2002 Ford Thunderbird convertible. Dale and his son took many trips in this beloved car, traveling many miles and enjoying sunshine and good food all along the way. Every year, Dale made the trip to the Des Moines Auto Show to see the newest car models on the market and even made the trip all the way to the Detroit Auto Show one year, a Christmas gift from his children. He traveled to many car shows over the years, where he met many wonderful people who shared his passion.

Another love of Dale's was old barns. He and his children went on many barn tours together during the last few years of his life. When entering his house, one was greeted by barn decor everywhere you looked, from pictures of barns hanging alongside those of his grandchildren to replicas of barns made of metal. Barns fascinated him: the architecture, the tools, and the animals.
Dale was a gentle soul who lived his life with the motto be present but not intrusive. He was a witty soul who could crack a joke and loved chili dogs. He perfected his eye roll later in life and used it on his children as revenge for their teenage years. His quiet kindness made the world a better place.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Marie (Klippel) Roe.

He is survived by his children, Dan (Jenny) Roe of Boone and Stephanie (Wade) Mullin of Huxley. Grandchildren Nathan (Merisa) Roe, Megan Roe, Christina (Austin) Bishop, Catelin (Corey) Akers, Ben Roe, Wyatt Mullin and Great-granddaughter Jade Bishop.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com