Dale Santman

Dale Elmer Santman, age 91, of Dover, Ohio, and formerly of Dysart, Iowa, passed away May 11, 2024, while in Park Village Health Care Center in Dover.   Born on October 16, 1932, on the family farm in Dysart, Iowa, to Elmer Martin and Ida Clara (Wurtzel) Santman.   During his high school years, Dale helped with the milking as well as delivering milk products door to door in Dysart.  Elsan Dairy, owned by his parents, sat at the edge of town.  When Dale moved off the farm in 2020, folks were still commenting about how much they loved the Santman ice cream, cottage cheese, and ice cream pops.   

Following high school graduation, Dale served 2 years in the United States Army.   He was stationed near Paris, France and worked as a cook.  On August 7, 1955, he married Beverly Ann (Wendt) of Traer, Iowa, and they continued to share the next 68 years together.  Their marriage was a testament of love, teamwork, and family fun.  Dale never had a job he needed to drive to.   Even after selling the herd of purebred Holsteins, he merely walked across the highway to work the next 13 years at Metal Fabrications.  

He loved hunting and fishing, but his greatest loves were square dancing and playing cards or a board game of “Joker”, and maybe eating ice cream came in a close third place.  Many winters were spent in Pharr, Texas, where he and Bev could square dance every day and night if they wanted.  Dale loved to laugh and to make others do the same.  His choice was always for the joys of a simple life.  Faith and family were important to Dale.  He was a member of the Dysart United Methodist Church and then, after relocating to Ohio, attended St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg.   

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Beverly Santman of Dover, son Kim (Robin) Santman of Peru, Illinois; daughter Koral (Randy) Clum of Dover; grandchildren Mathew (Katie) Sanberg, Eric (Deanna) Santman, Megan (Jody) Davis, Emily (Brandon) Miller and Casey (Dennis) Wilson; and great-grandchildren Harper, Avery, Izaiah, Lena, Dottie, Maclain, Barrett, and Lily.  In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by a sister Phyllis (Leroy) Noe.  

Cremation care has been entrusted to Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory.   A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in St. John United Church of Christ, 516 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, OH 44680.  A short service will be held at the conclusion of the visitation.  The family will also greet guests on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in Dysart United Methodist Church, 602 Tilford St, Dysart, IA 52224.  A memorial service will also be held at the church on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10:30 AM.  

Memorial contributions in Dale’s name may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.