Dale K. Doudna

Dale Kenneth Doudna, 80, passed away March 31, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dale was born on May 22, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Kenneth and Grace (Cochrane) Doudna. He graduated from North High School in 1963 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ottawa University in Kansas. He later attended Emporia State University before receiving his master’s degree in Secondary Guidance and Counseling from Drake University.

Dale dedicated his career to education, working as a social studies teacher in Sibley, IA. Then he worked at Principal Life Insurance Company before beginning his career as a guidance counselor in Bellevue, IA. In 1986 he moved back to the Des Moines area and worked as guidance counselor at Johnston High School until 2005. In his time at Johnston he left a lasting impact on many students as a key member in introducing the Dollars for Scholars program to JHS. He was also the founder of the Johnston High School Leadership retreat, which created a culture of student excellence. Following his retirement from education, he began a second career in real estate with Coldwell Banker, where he worked as a realtor.

He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Johnston, serving as club president four times. He most recently served a term as Governor of the Nebraska Iowa District for Kiwanis. He was passionate about helping children and the community and enjoyed serving pancakes many Saturday mornings with his fellow Kiwanians.

A passionate sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Cubs. He liked playing golf and riding his bike. He and his wife, Marlys, loved to travel, whether by car or on cruises, and together they visited all 50 states and many countries.

Dale grew up attending First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, before leaving for college in Kansas. Upon returning to Des Moines, Dale and Marlys were active in the community of Meredith Drive Reformed Church before returning to First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in recent years.

Dale's life was marked by steadfast faith, generous spirit, and a heart for serving others. A committed follower of Jesus Christ, he reflected the gospel in his work, volunteer service, and in the warmth and devotion he showed his family. Deeply caring for people, Dale lived out a compassion that touched many lives. He held firm to the hope of eternal life found in Scripture and rested in the saving grace of Christ. While he will be greatly missed, his family finds comfort in knowledge that he is home with the Lord.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Marlys Doudna; children, Lisa (Jason) Pinder of Omaha, NE and Jonathan (Jennifer) Doudna of Grimes, IA; grandchildren, Beckett, Reid, Dashiell, Brody, and Madelyn; sisters-in-law, Janice Doudna and Rev. Marilyn (William) Sandin-Ross; and many loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Grace; daughter, Stephanie; and brother, Donald Doudna.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, 8250 NW 62nd Avenue in Johnston with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Private burial at Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Johnston Kiwanis @Venmo@Johnston-Kiwanis or Kiwanis Miracle League in loving memory of Dale.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Memorial contributions may be directed to and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneraHome.com

Print