Mark Dalton

Mark Dalton

Iowa City

Mark Dalton, 77, of Iowa City died September 20, 2024 at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from complication of pneumonia.

Mark was born on March 26, 1947 in Carroll, Iowa to Wilbert and Florentine (Hansen) Dalton. He graduated from Regina High School in 1965 before attending Muscatine Community College. In 1970, he married Diana Evans in Iowa City. Mark later attended The University of Iowa, where he received his BA in Education in 1975 and his MA in Special Education.

Mark’s career of more than 36 years began with him teaching Physical Education in Ottumwa at Evans Junior High School. He continued his career at Kuemper Catholic School in Carroll, followed by Beckman Catholic School in Dyersville, and Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman. Mark also served with ARC in Iowa City for two years.

In addition to teaching, Mark coached more than 50 years throughout his life in a wide range of sports including football, girl’s and boy’s track, freshman and middle school boy’s basketball, and high school weightlifting. After retirement, Mark continued to coach football at West Branch, Clear Creek Amana and finally at Regina until 2023.

Mark’s passion beyond coaching was playing golf, running (3 marathons and the Bix for 12 years), collecting coins, baseball cards and old Sports Illustrated. He was a loyal fan and supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes in all sports, and the Green Bay Packers.

Mark is survived by his wife Diane, son Dan (Quan) Dalton of Boca Raton, Florida, daughter Amy Peterson (John Armstrong) of Escondido, California, two grandchildren Kamryn and Rory Peterson, brother Barry (Juanita) Dalton of Riverside, Iowa, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Michael Dalton and his wife Sheila, infant brother Kelly, younger sister Mary Dalton Hahn Bontrager, brother-in-law Dick Bontrager, and son-in-law Ryan Peterson.

Honoring Mark’s wishes, he has donated his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. To celebrate his life, a gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at Hills Bank under Mark Dalton Memorial Fund. Per his wishes, the funds will be donated to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.lensingfuneral.com.