Dale Vern Britton

Dale Vern Britton was born on May 31, 1935, on the Britton homestead northwest of Kalona, the son of William Scott and Rose (Pitlick) Britton. He had two siblings: an older sister Edith Stransky and a younger brother Gerald Britton. Dale passed away Monday, September 15, 2025 at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 90 years.

Dale went to Snake Hollow school through eighth grade and went to high school in Kalona. He joined his father on the farm following graduation until his drafting into the United States Army in 1958. Dale liked to tell stories about serving in the army with Elvis Presley. Their whole division was sent to Germany to defend the border after World War II and on the ship Elvis would often play the piano and tell stories.

After two years in Germany Dale returned to farming and brother Gerald joined the farm after his army service. On June 21, 1969, Dale married Ann Marie Birkey at the Wellman Methodist Church. They moved on the farm in 1971 following the death of William Britton.

Dale and Gerald farmed together until Dale’s retirement in 2010. Gerald and his son, Tim, continued farming together until Gerald’s death in 2019. Tim continues farming the Britton family farm which has been farmed by Brittons since 1842.

Dale enjoyed his children and grandchildren as well as putting puzzles together. He liked to go on yearly family vacations and kept a large garden until his health problems made that impossible earlier this summer. Dale loved to give farming advice and opinions and continued to give those freely to Tim until he was no longer able.

Survivors include his wife Ann (Birkey) of Kalona, daughter Tamara (Alex) Russin of Cordova, Alaska, son Mark Britton of Marion, and three grandchildren: Zoe (William) Radenheimer, Maya Russin, and Xavier Russin, all of Fairbanks, Alaska, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Edith and husband Allen Stransky and brother Gerald and wife Patsy.

The family would like to thank everyone that visited, provided meals, and sent cards during Dale’s illness. Additionally we give a grateful thank you to the nurses, aides, and caregivers of Hospice Iowa City for their care and support.

A Celebration Of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Sharon Center United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Sharon Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Sharon Center United Methodist Church. A memorial fund has been established for the Kalona Fire department, Sharon Center United Methodist Church and Iowa City Hospice. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Dale and his family.