Obituary for Willis Dale Vandewater

Willis Dale Vandewater, 83, of North Liberty, IA, died Saturday, August 9, 2008, at the Veterans Hospital in Iowa City, IA, following an extended illness. Per his wishes, he has been cremated. Private memorial services will be held at a later date in Leon, Iowa. Survivors include two daughters, Teddi (Jim) Gertsma of Vermillion, SD, Nancy Lewis of North Liberty, IA, and one son, Eric ( Julie) Vandewater also of North Liberty. Also surviving are grandchildren Matt (Kelli) Henderson of Shenandoah, Iowa; Jacy (Sam) Nelsen of Vermillion, SD; Bailey Gertsma, also of Vermillion, SD; Shaun (Nicole) Lewis of Oxford, IA; Aron Lewis of North Liberty, IA; Tyler Vandewater and Adam Vandewater of North Liberty, Iowa. He has two great-grandchildren, Caden and Taylor Henderson, of Shenandoah, IA. Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Jane Foreman (1986); his parents, Eugene and Helen (Pratt) Vandewater; and his daughter, Helen Penny Vandwater ( 1999). Dale was born August 16, 1924, in Creston, IA, to Eugene and Helen Vandewater. He married Ida Jane Foreman November 2, 1952 in Leon. He proudly served with the United States Army 148th infantry during WWII and served in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. He was a combat surgical technician receiving the Silver Star for his bravery in action on the front line. Following his service to his country, he worked as a medical technician at the Leon Medical Clinic, as the Administrator of Westview Acres Care Facility in Leon, IA, owned and operated Dale''s Family Inn in Leon, IA, and following a move to Iowa City, IA served as the Administrator of Lone Tree Care Center. Dale enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading historical books, and he greatly enjoyed his children and grandchildren. A special thanks to Millie Tinkle who was a good friend and companion in Dale''s later years. A special thanks to Hospice of Iowa City and the medical staff at the Veteran''s Hospital on 7 East.