Dale Shirk

H. Dale Shirk, age 91, of Marshalltown, died Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at MMSC. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th, 2010, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Lothe officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in his name. There will be no visitation. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Dale and his family. Ph 641-844-1234. Harry Dale Shirk was born on June 18, 1918, on a farm southwest of Grundy Center, Iowa. He was the third son of Harry and Zelda (Stambaugh) Shirk. His early school years were at Melrose No. 6 on Highway 14. He attended high school in Grundy Center where he took part in various activities and played football for the Grundy Spartans. He graduated with the Class of 1936. On January 1, 1944, Dale married Gladys Dunn in a double ceremony with Gladyss brother Robert Dunn and Velda Holman. The couple lived on a farm near Albion where Dale farmed until moving to Albion in 1956. He then owned and operated an underground construction business which he continued until his retirement. He held a contract with Iowa Light and Power Company for many years installing electrical and gas lines over much of Marshalltown. His business extended over all of Central Iowa. In addition to his trenching business, Dale built and operated the Countryside Mobile Park in Albion. In 1976, they moved to their home on Steves Court and then in 2001 to Lincoln Tower Circle where they continued to live. Dale was a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge, Masonic and Eastern Star, Albion Weekend Warriors, and Marshall County Vagabonds camping clubs. He was a faithful church member and worker at Hope United Methodist Church. His love of music led him and his wife to be gospel singers and sang for many funerals and presented church services throughout the area. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Gladys; his three children, Gary(KayAnn) Shirk of Marshalltown, Nancy M. Shirk of Jupiter, Florida, and Edward (Lilla) Shirk of Marshalltown; his 5 grandchildren; his 14 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Frank(Shirley) Dunn of Marshalltown; his two sisters-in-law, Wanda Shirk of Sigourney and Velda Dunn of Gladbrook; as well as several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Delbert and Donald. Dale will be missed greatly by many for he was a great and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone.