David Dale Hartman

David Dale Hartman, 86, of Eldora, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa Falls. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the Steamboat Rock Baptist Church. Coffee and pastries will be served during the visitation, please join the family in remembering and sharing stories of Dale. A memorial service will follow the memorial visitation at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow the service and be held privately by the family at Steamboat Rock Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Dale was born on December 25, 1939, in Eldora, Iowa, to his parents Harold and Dena (DeVries) Hartman. He was raised on the family farm in rural Steamboat Rock and graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in the class of 1958. He was united in marriage to Sharon Brower on July 6, 1962 and together they welcome three wonderful daughters into their family.

Dale graduated from Ellsworth Community College with an Associates Degree in Business and then attended UNI until his father’s passing which led him to leave school and take over the family farm. He faithfully worked the family farm until his retirement in the mid 80’s. Dale did not slow down though; he then began a new career in the “Transportation Industry” as an over the road truck driver. He drove his Semi over 2 million miles until health concerns led to his retirement in 2017. Even then, Dale kept busy as a much-loved janitor at the South Hardin School System in Eldora. The students just loved him and he really enjoyed his time there.

Dale was a faithful member of the Steamboat Rock Baptist Church and served the church as an usher, youth pastor, and a member of the choir. His faith also led him to participate in Stephen Ministries as a lay pastor. God and family were the cornerstones of his life.

Dale loved gardening, tinkering in his garage, and earlier in life repaired, sold, and maintained snowmobiles as a hobby and small business. He adored his daughters and loved spending time with them shopping. He was a girl’s little league basketball coach, a foodie, and an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, spending much of his time at the games in the student section. He also had a special place in his heart for all things Christmas and the Christmas season. His true joy in life came from spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papa.”

Dale is survived by his wife Sharon; his daughters Michelle Hartman, Melissa (Jeff) Jones, and Misty Beaty, grandchildren Dr. Jordan Appel, Stephanie Appel, and Briggs Beaty, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jim Hartman, and son-in-law Scott Beaty.

A message from the family: Dale, a gentleman who was steadfast in his devotion to his faith, family, and friends, passed away. Even though he was non-responsive, his love was all around us in that hospital room. He offered his patience to help us prepare for acceptance; he offered his compassion to guide friends and family to gather and share their love and support for each other; he offered his impeccable timing to leave this earth just when things got quiet. He gave so much without expecting anything in return. I love him and miss him so much. If he touched you in any way, we would love to hear about it. Hug those you love.