Delmer E. Scales

Delmer E. Scales, 84, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2018 at home surrounded by his family.

According to his wishes, no public visitation or service will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Delmer was born on February 12, 1934 in Monterey, California the son of Edwin and Julia (Patty) Scales. He graduated from Monterey High School and The School of Hard Knocks and enlisted with the United States Marine Corps where he received an honorable discharge.

He was a self-employed drywall contractor. He took every opportunity from the time he was a young man until late in life to participate in athletic endeavors in all forms.

He married Laura Wilson on April 6, 1958 in Pacific Grove, CA. 

Some of our earliest memories involve getting wrestled and battered playfully by the almost impossibly large and gnarled hands of a man who hung drywall for his entire life. By the grace of God his great grandchildren have those memories of him also. If you met Del Scales you were given something to remember him by; plastic solar toys from the Dollar Tree, stories of football with John Madden at Cal Poly, incessant flirtation with our grandmother, ears of corn to feed the squirrels in winter or fresh walnuts to feed his grandchildren in fall.  He is a man who spent his life building, giving and wrestling.

We never knew our grandfather to rest or quit and we do not suspect he is doing so now. He likely met God with tools in hand and some opinions on what could be fixed around the place. Perhaps he is even coaching Jacob about how to pin the angel in their famous wrestling match.

He is survived by his wife Laura; daughter Stephanie (Tim) O'Connell, Sons Steve (Serena) Scales and Scott (Pam) Scales. Grandchildren; Luke (Meghan), Sean (Kendel), Molly (Leo), Patrick, Zach, Sydney (Alex), Sophie (Weston), Sawyer, Shelby (Jake), Sabrina, and Samuel; along with 5 great grandchildren; and Jill Crimmins-Scales.

He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved grandmother and one brother.

Memorials may be given to 24 Hour Care, Hospice of Dubuque or Hillcrest Family Services.

The family wishes to thank 24 Hour Care and Hospice of Dubuque especially Christine and Cindy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.