Dale Allen Deur was born on Mother’s Day, May 13, 1956, to Melvin E. and Charlotte “Chum” (De Jong) Deur in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was the youngest of four children and joined his sisters Phyllis and Grace and brother Robert “Bob” at home in Peoria, Iowa. Dale lived in Peoria until he was five years old, when his family moved to a farm east of Peoria. He recalled his childhood as idyllic and remembered going on many adventures with his older brother Bob and his cousin Randy Deur. His eldest sister Phyllis said those adventures could often be better described as “mischief.” Dale attended Peoria Christian Grade School and graduated with the class of 1974 from Pella Christian High School.

In the spring of 1975, Dale met Kathy Lynn Terlouw while cruising the square in Pella. He was captivated by her beautiful eyes, and they began dating soon after. They got engaged in October 1975 and married June 11, 1976. Their daughter Jana Michelle was born November 8, 1977, and their son Scott Michael was born January 7, 1981. His three greatest accomplishments, he insisted, were his marriage to Kathy and his two children.

Dale started driving a semi-truck for his father, who owned Peoria Stockyards, and then began driving his own semi for Dieomatic. His children have fond memories of the times they got to ride along with dad. In 1988, Dale decided to finish his education, studying business management at Central College and graduating with honors in 1991 while working nights at Schiebout Tire Company. In 1992, he began working as the marketing manager for Schiebout, which he did for nearly a decade. Wanting a new challenge, Dale then worked as a financial planner and advisor for several companies, including a lengthy tenure at US Bank. In 2020, when Dale was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, he was working at Farm Bureau Wealth Management—a short time, but a job he was very proud of.

In addition to his family, Dale treasured his faith. Dale and Kathy began attending Faith Christian Reformed Church when they married in 1976, and at the time of his death he was an elder at Third Church. He loved his time on the Praise Team at Faith CRC and treasured the friendships he made in various Bible studies and men’s groups through the years. He had a heart for others, and cherished the opportunities he had to give back, including volunteering at Mobility Worldwide in Leighton, Iowa. One of Dale’s favorite things to do was cheer on the Pella Christian Eagles, and he was privileged to be the voice of the Eagles since 2008. He was a talented woodworker who built furniture for his family and friends, items they treasure for both their beauty and functionality.

One remarkable thing about Dale is that he almost always had a smile on his face—from his baby pictures to his final days, even in the midst of pain. He loved to laugh and was a great storyteller, and his laughter and stories were the soundtrack of his kids’ childhoods. He was also always willing to share an emotional moment with others. So many people commented on Dale’s joyful testimony and incredible living faith through the years, including over the five and a half years after his initial cancer diagnosis. He loved his grandchildren and treasured any time he could spend with them. His grandchildren remember how fun Papa Deur was—always willing to get down on the floor and play, to set up fireworks shows, to take them to Tulip Time parades and the Iowa State Fair, and to play round after round of card games with them.

Dale died peacefully on the morning of Friday, November 14, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House at the age of 69 years, 6 months, and 1 day.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 50 years, Kathy, and their family:

Jana & Jeff Tigchelaar of Huntington, WV

Charlotte and Sam

Scott & Deanna Shalon-Deur of West Des Moines, IA

He is also survived by his sister Phyllis and her husband Nelson Nibbelink of Bloomington, MN; his brother Bob and his wife Pat Deur of Peoria, IA; his brother-in-law Charles “Chuck” and his wife Sylvia Terlouw of West Des Moines, IA; and many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces.

Dale was predeceased by his parents, Mel and Chum Deur; his parents-in-law, Gerald and Nellie Terlouw; and his sister, Grace Deur Ver Meer.

Memorials may be given to Pella Christian Athletics or Hospice of Pella.

The Memorial Service may be viewed at  Memorial Service of Dale Deur.