Dale Ferguson

Dale A. Ferguson, 94, of Humboldt and formerly of Atlantic, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Long Term Care in Humboldt.

A Visitation Coffee will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 17^th at the Faith United Methodist Church in Humboldt.

Services in Atlantic will include a visitation with the family present from 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Monday, March 20^th at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic.  A Masonic Service, conducted by Pymosa Lodge No. 271, will begin at 10:15 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at the church on Monday.  Burial, with military honors, by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be held in the Atlantic Cemetery.  The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by noon on Tuesday.   

Because Dale was known for his sense of humor and penchant for fun, crazy socks, the family will be honoring him by wearing socks from his vast collection. They would love to invite you to join in the fun, if you would like.

Dale was born March 31, 1928, in Mitchell, South Dakota to Will & Ruth (Clapsaddle) Ferguson. He grew up on the family farm built by his father near Letcher, SD until his family moved to Atlantic, Iowa when he was 10 years old.  He graduated from Griswold High School in 1946. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he became a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division, serving in WWII during the Japanese occupation. Upon his honorable discharge, Dale enrolled at Simpson College, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Hewitt, whom he married in 1952. They had 3 children, Kristi, Kurtis and Karol. Dale worked in the insurance industry most of his career, attaining the highest possible certifications, including the CPCU. He was the founder of the Insurance program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and also served as a teacher within the program.  He started Gateway Insurance Agency in Ames, Iowa and later worked for MSI Insurance, where he was the top national salesman. After his retirement, he worked for a time at Roland Funeral Service.

Dale & Phyllis were able to travel extensively taking many trips with Dale’s sister and brother throughout the United States. They traveled to every state in the U.S. except Delaware.  They wintered in Florida and then Southern Texas collecting friends wherever they went and maintaining those relationships throughout their lives. 

Dale’s activities included membership in the Masonic Lodge. As a 32^nd degree Mason, he was also a member of the Za Ga Zig Shrine Temple in Des Moines and an active member of the Waterloo Classic Car Parade Unit. Dale was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, where he served on nearly every committee and board over the years. His main hobby was creating beautiful stained-glass pieces, which he gifted to many family members and friends.

Dale is survived by his wife, Phyllis;  three children: Kris (Craig) Christensen of Humboldt, Kurt (Zoe) Ferguson of Godfrey, Illinois and Karol (Terry) Schoenfeld of Winterset; grandchildren, Nate (Jen) Schoenfeld of Omaha, Nebraska, Zac (Carrie) Christensen of Waukon, Timothy (Sarah) Schoenfeld of Winterset, Garrett (Andrea) Christensen of Ames, Anna (Jamie) Cook of Winterset, Kenzie (Joe) Flot of Cedar Falls, Ali (Andrew) Berns of Valparaiso, Indiana and April (John) Collins of Brighton, Illinois, and 17 great-grandchildren; Hayley, Cayl & Elle Christensen, Caitlyn, Aubrey & Caleb Christensen, and Calvin & Campbell Flot, Mackenzie & Connor Berns, Ada Schoenfeld , Isaac, Sophia & Macy Schoenfeld and Lydia, Corah & Caroline Cook.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Will & Ruth Ferguson and siblings; Don & Ferne Ferguson, Wilma & Elmer Nelson, and Delma & Lyle Harris.

Memorials can be left to any United Methodist Church, Shriner’s Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Dale’s family and his arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.