Dale W. Lench

Dale Lench, age 75 of Gladbrook, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the morning of July 30, 2025 at Accura of Marshalltown and under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Per Dale’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a family led celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Dale Wayne Lench was born March 10, 1950 in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was the third of four children born to Loren and Vivian (Clemenn) Lench. Dale grew up in Gladbrook, Iowa where he also attended school graduating from Gladbrook High School in the Class of 1968.

Dale was the proud father of two daughters, Sara and Amanda. In addition to his daughters, his heart was open to many and he cared and called many his bonus children. Over the years, he worked for Gray Iron for numerous years until the closing of their plant. He then went to work for Traer Manufacturing until the closing of their plant. At this time, he took an early retirement. After retirement, Dale splurged and got the dream car he had always wanted, a 1985 Corvette.

In his free time, he participated in activities held by the Cedar Falls Street Rods and also participated in many men’s and couples bowling leagues in Gladbrook. He took pride in his home often spending multiple hours to clean and make things until they were perfect in his eyes. Dale also took great care in maintaining his lawn. He was big in his community and looked forward to attending the annual Corn Carnival held each summer. He loved being a grandpa and spent time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as often as possible. Outside of all of his other hobbies, he loved listening to music and had a soft spot for cats.

Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his children, Sara (Jeremy) Harris and Amanda (Nate) Cuellar; five grandchildren, Kohleah Harris, Lylliann (Logan Coon) Harris, Alice Harris, Lexie Curry and Vivien Lench-Cuellar; great-grandchildren, Felyx, Karson, Emmytt and Vylett. Additionally, he is survived by five nieces, Diana (Rich) Van Allen, Barb Oxley, Dawn Mills, Debra (Rob) Novak and Monica Mills Johnson; alongside all of his bonus children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Vivian Lench; his siblings, Jolene Mills, Dean Lench and Allen Lench; his grandparents and great-grandparents.