Dale Moritz Obituary

Dale Frederick Moritz died peacefully at age 101, Monday, July 29, 2024, at Edgewater in West Des Moines, Iowa where he has resided for the past twelve years. He was born July 18, 1923 in Walnut, Iowa to Adolph and Winnifred Moritz. Dale received his early education in the community and graduated from Walnut High School. He entered the University of Iowa in 1940, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated in 1943, with a bachelor's degree in economics and political science.

Dale served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946, during World War II. He was an officer in the Infantry and Armored divisions. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant.

Dale met his wife of fifty-three years, Mary Catherine Owens at the University of Iowa. They were married in 1944. The couple returned to the University of Iowa in 1946, where Dale graduated with a Juris Doctor of Law degree. He received an appointment as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) in 1948, and retired after thirty years as Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in charge of the Des Moines office.

Upon retirement he became Chief of Detectives of Polk County and retired after twenty years. Dale retired with fifty years in law enforcement. He was a Mason for sixty-two years and a member of the Grand Masonic Lodge #492, Marne, Iowa.

Dale and Mary raised a son and daughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Jean Hegarty; his wife, Mary and his son, Gary. He is survived his daughter, Marcia Moritz; her sons, Kyle Niday, Cory Niday and Bret (Katie) Niday; daughter in law, Susan Moritz Scharnberg (Steven Scharnberg); her girls Sarah (Pat) Heuertz and Mary (Roxana) Moritz; great grandchildren, Parker Niday, Henry and Charlie Heuertz and Joan and Nora Niday; and a nephew, Ed (Nancy) Howe and family.

Visitation will be held from 12:30-1:30pm, Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Iles Westover Chapel. A Masonic ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by the funeral service. Interment with military honors will be at Glendale Masonic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wesley Life Edgewater, 9225 Cascade Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266 and Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Edgewater staff for the excellent care they provided over the years.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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