Dale Hillyer, 97, of Webster City died Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Webster City. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, with Rev. Craig Blaufuss officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Dale Heber Hillyer, son of Heber and Ethel Bishop Hillyer, was born June 18, 1917 on the family farm in Mills County, north of Imogene, IA. He graduated from Strahan High School in 1934. He farmed in Mills County for several years and then moved to Manson, IA where he operated a gas station and then had the Star Mail Route from Manson to Laurens, IA. On July 14, 1940 he married Geraldine Gilmore. They continued living in Manson where their 3 daughters were born. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1944 and worked in the Fleet Post Office in San Francisco. He was honorably discharged in 1945. The family moved to Webster City in 1947 where he began farming on the Gilmore family farm. He farmed until 1978 when he and his wife moved into Webster City. His wife, Geraldine, passed away in 1992. On January 22, 1994, Dale married Shirley Mitchell. They shared an interest of traveling abroad and within the U.S. Dale's love of the land brought him many years of happiness. Even after moving to town, he continued to help his son-in-law with the harvest each fall until 2010. After learning to fly in 1941, Dale was an avid pilot. He enjoyed many take-offs and landings from his own landing strip on his farm. Dale took pride in the fact that he gave many friends and relatives their first airplane ride. He was active in the Webster City Civil Air Patrol, the International Flying Farmers and served on the Webster City Airport Commission. Dale is survived by his wife, Shirley, three daughters, Dalene (Arden) Schlitter and Donna Foster all of Webster City and Diane (Leo) Mork of Swisher, a foster son, Derald (Rose) Hammer of Vancouver, WA, 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2 step children, Michael (Jane) Jacobson and Cindy (Jim) Bailey all of Webster City, 5 step grandchildren, 9 step great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Donna Hillyer of Shenandoah and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife, Geraldine, Dale was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Floyd Hillyer, sister and brother-in-law, Mildred and Ross Bryant, and infant sister, Helen Hillyer Dale was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ of which he served on many boards and committees. During his 52 years of membership in the Rotary Club, he served as president and 40 years as secretary-treasurer. Dale was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He belonged to the American Legion and The Birthday Club. He also once sang in the 1000 Voice Naval Choir, the Webster City Men's Chorus under the direction of Polly Buell, the Ft. Dodge Men's Barbershop Chorus, Church Choir, and Webster City Community Chorus. This wise and remarkable man, who was all about farming, flying, friends, family, and his faith, said many times, "If I had my life to live over, I wouldn't change a thing." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Congregational United Church of Christ or a charity of your choice. Write a personal tribute for the Hillyer family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dale Heber Hillyer, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.