Dale Craig Betts was born October 30, 1953, in Richland, WA, at the U.S. military hospital at Camp Hanford to Richard and Lois Betts. Dale was raised on a farm south of Jefferson. He attended Jefferson Community School until graduation in 1972. During his school years he participated in wrestling, baseball, FFA and 4-H. He earned money doing chores for neighbors and working at a local feed mill while also helping on the family farm. He enjoyed modifying cars and motorcycles. He shared many stories of drag racing with friends and a month-long motorcycle adventure out west with minimal money and no plan. What an adventure!
Dale met the love of his life, Connie Clause, at Spring Lake and they married in 1974 in Grand Junction. They made their home south of Jefferson. Dale continued to help on the family farm and welded at Ideal. Dale and Connie became parents to two children: Alan and Jessi.
In 1981 they moved to their permanent farmstead near Winkleman Switch and began farming on their own. He and Connie worked side by side caring for their livestock and began to start their own row crop farming. Dale continued to use his welding skills at Osmundson and later Scranton Manufacturing while farming. Eventually he gave up the welding jobs and focused on his own operation. As the years went on, they continued to expand their row crops and cow herd until they eventually had 200 cow calf pairs. Dale took great pride in his cow herd.
Dale always had time for his kids, making sure they learned skills and life lessons that would carry them through their lives. He took time to attend the many activities they were in, and he was the same when he became blessed with four grandkids. He was a grandpa who made time for them fishing at the river, riding ATVs, teaching them hand- on skills or going to their activities.
Dale passed away Dec. 16, 2025, at the age of 72 years. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Connie; son Alan (Tanya) Betts of Jefferson; daughter Jessi (Andy) Riley of Rippey; grandchildren Kara (Eric) Heick, Cole Betts, Brent Riley and Max Riley; brother Gary (Alene) Betts; sister Betty (Kirby) Hoyle; mother-in-law Dorothy Clause; in-laws Reg (Mary) Clause, Linda (Guy) Clause, Mary Ann (Ed) Haver, Cindy (Mark) Stubbs; and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanked the staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Greene County Medical Center and UnityPoint Hospice for their wonderful care of Dale. Also, those who have helped our family or reached out during these last three months.
The Betts family will greet friends Dec. 22, from 4 to 6 pm at the Greene Room at Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson, Iowa. Services by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson.
