Dale L. Gilbaugh

Dale L. Gilbaugh was born on November 7, 1936 in Graettinger, IA to Gladys (Brefel) and Theodore Gilbaugh, and passed away on October 16, 2017 at Bickford Cottages in West Des Moines at the age of 80 years.

He graduated from Graettinger High School in 1954 and began his career with Northwestern Bell in 1956, beginning as a lineman in southern Minnesota and holding numerous technical positions in both the union and management before his early retirement in 1986. During this time he was also very active with the local Jaycees organization.

Soon after his retirement from Northwestern Bell (then US West), he worked in computer repair sales for DMA Corporation in Amery, WI until 1994 when he retired for the second and final time.

In 1986, he married Lynne Hoeksema and they made their home in Stillwater, MN until returning to Iowa in 1992, enjoying many years living on acreages before moving to Urbandale in 2013.

Dale was an avid motorcyclist and embarked on many hill-climbing trips to Colorado with his biker buddies. He could also be found fishing the lakes of Northwest Iowa or the farm ponds on their acreages. His most recent hobby was restoring Farmall tractors.

Dale is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lynne Hoeksema of Urbandale; his daughter, Dawn Fish and fiancé Dave Ragaller of Adel, daughter, Tammy Collier and fiancé Doug Sandvig of Johnston; son, Ted Gilbaugh of Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Josh (Vanessa) Collier, Jeremy Collier, Ryan (Alicia) Fish, Kevin (Emily) Fish, Katie Gilbaugh and Grace Gilbaugh; his great-grandchildren, Namya Collier, Paisley and Watson Fish; sister-in-law, Milli Gilbaugh; and his nieces and nephews.

Dale will be remembered for his dry, witty sense of humor, his fun-loving approach to life and his love for his family and friends. He was a man of quiet, personal faith in God who was active in his church until recent years and who understood that it was through the blood of Christ on the cross that he would make his eternal home in heaven. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Bickford Cottages for their excellent care of Dale. It is greatly appreciated.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the memorial service on Saturday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Timberline Church in Urbandale or to the Animal Rescue League. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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