Hale D. Pember

ROCK VALLEY, IOWA – Hale DeForrest Pember, 91, of Rock Valley, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley.

   A private family memorial service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Pioneer United Methodist Church in Rock Valley with Pastor Jim Sweers officiating. The committal service, which is open to the public, will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 16, at the Pioneer United Methodist Church. The family is requesting that everyone wear masks and practice social distancing at all events. The Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley is assisting the family.

   In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting memorials be given to Pioneer United Methodist Church, Rock Valley Public Library, or Whispering Heights – Meadow Lane Garden Fund.

   Hale DeForrest Pember, son of Paul and Ann (De Haan) Pember, was born June 2, 1929 in Rock Valley, Iowa. Hale spent most of his life residing in Rock Valley. He graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1946 and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Following college, he was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean conflict for two years. During this time, he was sent to Germany for one year. Following discharge from the service, he moved to Cherokee, Iowa and worked as a pharmacist for 3 years; meeting Barb Pryor at the drug store. Hale and Barb were united in marriage on November 27, 1957 at the Pioneer United Methodist Church in Rock Valley. Hale and Barb were blessed with 4 children: Jacqueline, Ramona, Deborah, and Paul. The Pembers moved to Rock Valley in 1958 and Hale and Barb took over Pember Drug, the family business. He worked at Pember Drug for 50 years. Pember Drug was started by his grandfather, Hale Harvey Pember, in 1896 and was in operation for 112 years; closing in 2008.

   Hale was a lifelong member of Pioneer United Methodist Church. He was a very kind, generous, honest, hard-working man. He loved the community of Rock Valley and what he enjoyed most was serving the community and making everyone feel special and cared for and getting to know his customers and employees.

   Hale was very family oriented. He enjoyed outdoor activities with his children and grandchildren. He was glad to attend all the activities they were involved in. He enjoyed reading, writing letters, golfing, hunting, biking, and hiking.

   Hale is survived by his wife, Barb; children, Jacqueline, Ramona (Joseph), Deborah (Jeff), and Paul (Miranda); sister, Mavis (Roger); grandchildren, Tracey, Jeremy, Shannon, Tabitha, Maria, Anna, Riley Ann, and Logan; 7 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ann; grandson, Benjamin; son-in-law, Michael; and sisters, Virginia (Vernon), Betty (Ralph), Pauline (Delmer).