Obituaries : Dale Charles Havran

Dale Charles Havran, 92, of Norway, IA passed away January 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by family.

Dale was born December 16, 1932 to Charles and Minnie (Peters) Havran in Benton County, IA. He graduated from Keystone High School, class of 1951. Following school, Dale was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge from service, Dale returned home to help work the family farm. On May 21, 1957, Dale married Leota Schulte at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Norway. The couple began their life together renting a farm near Keystone until moving to Norway in 1967.

Dale was a life-long farmer and wore many additional work hats; working at Wilsons meat packing in high school, moonlighting as a butcher, Amana Refrigeration, J I Case in Cedar Rapids, gravedigging, partnering with Mighty Fine Construction; and much more.

Dale was an avid inventor, always tinkering. He was a loyal friend who could fix anything with his pliers and baling wire.

With his love for people, Dale always made time to enjoy the simple things in life. Through family adventures to Hannen Lake, fishing trips up North with the Boys, a good party and dancing. Through his strength, quick wit and love, Dale showed his children how to live life to the fullest; and instilled in them that you could never be sad or mad when there was a good Polka song playing.

Dale was a proud member of the Norway American Legion Post #234 and The Forty and Eight Veterans Organization. He was active in his faith as a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Dale gave back to his community through many hours volunteering as a Poll worker and shuttling VA members to the hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Leota Rose of Norway; children, Steve (Lori) Havran of Norway, Lori (Kevin) Ahrens of Amana, Neil (Maribeth) Havran of Wichita, KS, Tom (Ron Dose) Havran of Amana, Marty Havran of Norway, Lisa Miller of Norway, Dan (Joanne) Havran of Portland, OR; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorla Hilmer of Vinton; brother, Dennis Havran of Milo; and many more family and friends. 

Dale is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ellen Krezek; and son-in-law, Glen Miller. 

Dale’s family would like to thank Essence of Life Hospice for the compassionate care they showed Dale and their family. 

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2025 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Norway, IA. Burial will take place at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Norway with military honors.

Visitation is 3:30-7 p.m. Sunday, January 19th at St. Michael’s Parish Hall with Rosary at 3 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com

Services are with Brosh Funeral Service of Norway.