Dale E. Roberts of Mt. Sterling Iowa died March 9,
2015 from Injuries suffered while cutting trees on
his farm near Mt. Sterling. Dale was born in Roscoe
Missouri.,
married his high school sweetheart Betty Gregg of Cantril
Iowa in 1959, and had 2 daughters Debra & Darla,
two grandsons, Jacob Schmitt and Justin Schmitt, and
one great-granddaughter Brooklyn Schmitt.
Dale owned and operated a sawmill near Mt. Sterling
for many years and raised cattle. He loved hunting
Indian artifacts and was a founding member of the Hawkeye
State Archaeological Society.
He was about 10 years old when he asked for a quarter
from his father. Upon receiving the quarter he took
off running, and later returned to show him what he
had bought, which his dad declared was an old "rock." Betty
told me that old rock is still in the collection, a
chipped flint axe from southern Missouri. Since that
time the collection has grown to be one of the finest
in Iowa.
Dale loved to attend auctions, and both he and Betty
were often in attendance at many of the large and small
auctions from Ohio to Iowa and points in between.
I always enjoyed heading to the Robert's artifact
room to admire, handle and learn about the many wonderful
and unusual Native American artifacts in the collection.
Dale always enjoyed sharing them with others.
Dale was a friend to all and one of the most gracious
and helpful members of the archaeological community
I knew. In 43 years I have never met anyone who had
anything but praise for Dale, his knowledge, friendship
and willingness to help others.
All of us in the HSAS owe him so much for his efforts
in helping start the society and the many years he
devoted
to making our state proud of its shows and its membership.
Dale and Betty spent many years in sponsorship of not
only the Keosauqua show but also as serving as our
delegate to the annual St. Louis business meeting to
represent our state in the important business of the
CSAS.
He was one of the very special collectors that were
always happy to help answer questions, and encourage
new, and not so new collectors. I have had the privilege
to know and call Dale "my friend.” He will
be missed by the entire Hawkeye State Archaeology Society.
