Dale James Leegaard, 79, of rural Northwood, Iowa, died Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. today at Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, Iowa, with the Rev. Randy Baldwin officiating. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, Iowa, and then again one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Silver Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery immediately following the service with military rites performed by Emmons Louis/Tviete Post 317.

Dale James Leegaard was born May 19, 1931, in Albert Lea, the son of James K. and Gertrude (McCrady) Leegaard. He served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.

On Oct. 14, 1967, Dale was united in marriage to Rose V. Quade in Kensett, Iowa.

Dale loved his family, watching his kids, saying little and just smiling. He was the most gentle and patient man you could find. He was always so fair and so honest. He loved the family fishing trips, watching John Wayne movies and attending local stock car races. Dale was an incredibly talented carpenter. In fact, he was regarded as a jack of all trades and a master of them all!

Dale’s memory is cherished by his loving wife, Rose, of rural Northwood, Iowa; daughter, Victoria (Tim) Earing of Fort Collins, Colo.; Randy Dale (Carla) Leegaard of Emmons; Susan Leegaard of Northwood, Iowa; Rhonda Leegaard of Fort Collins; Dr. John Dale Leegaard of Lake Mills, Iowa; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sisters: Alice Moen of Albert Lea and Cheryl (Earl) Cavett of Lake Mills, Iowa; brother-in-law, Delmar Schnoor of Albert Lea; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: Rodney Dale in 2002 and David Dale in 2010; sister, Marilyn Schnoor in 2009; and brother-in-law John Moen.

You can contact the family with online condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.