Dale E. Sharp, 76

Dale Edward Sharp died quietly and peacefully at home December 11, 2015 after years of living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. A time to celebrate his life will be held at a later date in Ames, IA.

Dale was born at home in Humboldt, IA on November 30, 1939 to Galen and Roberta Sharp. He was the middle of three brothers. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1957. He attended Iowa State University as a Marine ROTC, graduating in November 1962 with a degree in Industrial Administration. He completed Officer Training School in Quantico, Virginia and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. While stationed at Camp Pendleton he married Margaret Larsen on December, 26, 1964 in Fort Dodge, IA. After completing his Marine Corps service he went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone. In 1969, he enrolled in law school at the University of Iowa and moved his young family to Iowa City. In 1972, he passed the bar exam, moved to Ames and practiced general law there for 33 years. He served on the Ames School Board and on the Mary Greeley Medical Foundation Board of Directors. He was a member of the Story County Bar Association and the Ames Golf and Country Club. Dale and Margaret moved to Coralville, IA when his health declined.

Dale was a reserved, private man of few, well-chosen words. He was an avid reader and a big fan of the dictionary. He enjoyed being active his whole life until he was slowed by his illness. He and his brothers grew up hunting, fishing, ice skating and scrapping among themselves. He could lace a skate fast and tight and remained quick and reckless on the ice on the river behind his parents home in Humboldt. He was an athlete at Humboldt High School participating in track, golf, basketball and hockey. The Sharp brothers had a reputation for fighting more amongst themselves in the hockey rink than with the other team. He was a member of the Iowa State Hockey Club during its early years. Dale was not inclined to seek crowds or travel. He preferred trips that were active; fishing in the boundary waters, skiing and hiking in Colorado. Dale golfed at every opportunity, particularly enjoying Thursday men's league at the Ames Golf and Country Club and spring break trips with his golf buddies and any golf outing with his brothers. He enjoyed his role as a grandparent and took pride in his grandchildren's accomplishments and watching them grow. He spent many hours with them when they were young at the school park and hiding plastic Easter eggs year round for them to find.

Dale was cared for tirelessly throughout his illness by his wife of almost 51 years, Margaret. In the last year she was aided by many caring Home Choice employees, Pathways Adult Day Care and the amazing people at Iowa City Hospice. Their combined efforts made it possible to honor his wish to remain in his home. We have mourned the many parts of him and his abilities that were taken by his disease. He fought a good fight against an unbeatable disease and fought until the end. He accepted his diagnosis with grace and endured his losses with endless tolerance.

Dale is survived by his wife, Margaret; son John and his wife, Ola, of Issaquah, WA; daughter Chris and her husband, Chad Greimann of Iowa City, IA; brother Rodger and his wife Hilda of Lake, MI; sister-in-law Patsy of Cedar Rapids, IA and six grandchildren; Zach, Emma, Alex, and Evelyn Greimann, Anike and Omalara Sharp and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Roberta and an infant brother, Glenn. Dale and his older brother, Gary, died on the same day. Gary preceded Dale in death by a matter of hours.

Memorials may be directed to the CurePSP Foundation or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com