Dale Ocken Obituary

Dale John Ocken, 95, of Urbandale, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025. He was born on April 18, 1930, in Mt. Carmel, Iowa, to Joseph and Delia (Schaa) Ocken, and grew up in Breda, Iowa. After his mother passed away when he was just six, Dale was lovingly raised by his father and older sister Ilene. With his brother Chet being fifteen years older, Dale idolized him and enjoyed spending time as a young uncle to his nieces and nephew. He spent his childhood playing baseball and getting into the light-hearted mischief so common among kids in his hometown.

Dale proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. On July 5, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Dolores (Beisch) Ocken. They affectionately called each other “Ock” and “Dode,” nicknames that stayed with them throughout their lives.

Together, Dale and Dolores made their home in Urbandale, Iowa, where they raised their six children. Dale managed Consolidated Kitchens and Fireplaces (formerly Consolidated Supply) until his retirement in 1997.

Dale will be deeply missed for his calm, gentle presence, his patience, and his unwavering kindness. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved sharing jokes with the people he cared about. After discovering computers in the 1990s, he delighted in printing funny jokes to share with family and friends. He loved reminiscing about his childhood and was a gifted storyteller—often laughing so hard he could barely finish a tale. He leaves behind cherished memories of his lifelong love of baseball and his beloved tradition of making grasshopper milkshakes for his family every Christmas Eve.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Mary Ellen Ocken; his brother, Chet Ocken; and his sister, Ilene (Ocken) Pollman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores, and their five children: Jane (Steve) Kiene, Scott (Kathy) Ocken, Lisa (Doug) Mentzer, Barb (Chris) Johnson, and David (Kayelee) Ocken. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, their spouses, nine great-grandchildren, and three nieces and one nephew.

The family will receive friends 5-7:00 pm Monday, December 1st at Iles Westover Chapel where a Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am Tuesday, December 2nd at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Graveside services will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, December 3rd at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Breda, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spurgeon Manor or St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES WESTOVER CHAPEL

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