Dale K. Doudna
May 22, 1945 — March 31, 2026
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Dale Kenneth Doudna, 80, passed away March 31, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dale was born on May 22, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Kenneth and Grace (Cochrane) Doudna. He graduated from North High School in 1963 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ottawa University in Kansas. He later attended Emporia State University before receiving his master’s degree in Secondary Guidance and Counseling from Drake University.
Dale dedicated his career to education, working as a social studies teacher in Sibley, IA. Then he worked at Principal Life Insurance Company before beginning his career as a guidance counselor in Bellevue, IA. In 1986 he moved back to the Des Moines area and worked as guidance counselor at Johnston High School until 2005. In his time at Johnston he left a lasting impact on many students as a key member in introducing the Dollars for Scholars program to JHS. He was also the founder of the Johnston High School Leadership retreat, which created a culture of student excellence. Following his retirement from education, he began a second career in real estate with Coldwell Banker, where he worked as a realtor.
He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Johnston, serving as club president four times. He most recently served a term as Governor of the Nebraska Iowa District for Kiwanis. He was passionate about helping children and the community and enjoyed serving pancakes many Saturday mornings with his fellow Kiwanians.
A passionate sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Cubs. He liked playing golf and riding his bike. He and his wife, Marlys, loved to travel, whether by car or on cruises, and together they visited all 50 states and many countries.
Dale grew up attending First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, before leaving for college in Kansas. Upon returning to Des Moines, Dale and Marlys were active in the community of Meredith Drive Reformed Church before returning to First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in recent years.
Dale's life was marked by steadfast faith, generous spirit, and a heart for serving others. A committed follower of Jesus Christ, he reflected the gospel in his work, volunteer service, and in the warmth and devotion he showed his family. Deeply caring for people, Dale lived out a compassion that touched many lives. He held firm to the hope of eternal life found in Scripture and rested in the saving grace of Christ. While he will be greatly missed, his family finds comfort in knowledge that he is home with the Lord.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Marlys Doudna; children, Lisa (Jason) Pinder of Omaha, NE and Jonathan (Jennifer) Doudna of Grimes, IA; grandchildren, Beckett, Reid, Dashiell, Brody, and Madelyn; sisters-in-law, Janice Doudna and Rev. Marilyn (William) Sandin-Ross; and many loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Grace; daughter, Stephanie; and brother, Donald Doudna.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, 8250 NW 62nd Avenue in Johnston with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed click here. Private burial at Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Johnston Kiwanis @Venmo@Johnston-Kiwanis or Kiwanis Miracle League in loving memory of Dale.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Memorial contributions may be directed to and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneraHome.com
Ronald Erickson
04/13/2026
I will miss the Christmas letters Dale wrote.
Dr. Larry and Betty Martindale, Church Moderator
04/12/2026
Dear Marlys, Lisa, Jonathan, and family of Dale Doudna:
Both Betty and I and the entire congregation of First Baptist Church of greater Des Moines wish to extend our most sincere condolences to each of you and your family the passing of a wonderful Christian and valued friend.
Dale was a marvelous educator and was admired by both his fellow colleagues and students as both a teacher and as a counselor. Our families shared a common passion and a deep commitment for the Student Dollars For Scholars Program in our high schools as well as our community support for the Golden K Kiwanis Club at Westminster Church and the Johnston Kiwansis Club. Dale visited our Golden K Club several times when he was Governor of the Iowa and Nebraska Kiwanis chapters. Both of our clubs admired Dale for his leadership and ability to work with a wide variety of people in helping boys and girls and communities improve the lives of children and families one child at a time.
Both Dale and Marlys have been devoted and caring members of First Baptist Church and all of us will certainly miss Dale‘s presence and personalized Christian commitment to the Lord and our entire church community.
We will be keeping each of you in our thoughts and prayers in the days and months that lie ahead. Dale is no longer suffering, but is now in heaven, smiling down upon us all.
Rylee Hayes
04/08/2026
Dale was so generous in his support of high school students and his community. The Johnston High School Key Club will miss seeing him at the Kiwanis pancake breakfast and other Kiwanis events, as he always took time to stop by the students to ask how they were doing and see how else the club could be supported. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.
Jacqueline Russell Evans
04/05/2026
Jim and I are so deeply sorry to hear of Dale's passing. We ask ourselves, should we have known? The truth, we did not but what we do know is that he was a kind and gentle man - a gentleman - who lifted everyone in which he came in contact. An example for us all. The void he will leave for you and so many will not be filled but his space will be remembered.
Tony/Deanna Vis
04/03/2026
Marlys, Lisa, and Jonathan, Dee and I were saddened to hear of Dale’s passing. When picture him, I see a face with a warm smile. I am grateful for the privilege of knowing him and of being your family’s pastor for so many years. I am also grateful for his service at JHS. He was there as the school grew rapidly over those years and he was part of the leadership team that walked with students through adjustments that had to be made along the way.
As we look to Easter, just a couple of days away, may you be comforted by the knowledge that Dale understood the significance of our Lord’s resurrection. He lived and died trusting that Jesus’ resurrection was a promise of a new life to come. Peace to all of you as you mourn his leaving and remember and celebrate his love for you.