Our obituaries page allows for you to light a candle for a loved one or leave a guest comment. You are able to search for obituaries by first and last name or by the date of death.

Edward J Dickinson

January 25, 1927 - December 21, 2016

Colonel Edward J. Dickinson passed away December 21, 2016 at Glen Oaks Care Center in Urbandale, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Ed was born on January 25, 1927 in Nevada, Iowa. At the age of 17 he quit high school, and lied about his age and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He fought in the battle for Okinawa, Japan in April 1945, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He joined the Iowa State Patrol in August of 1951. In 1962, Ed was promoted to Sergeant. He then began his move up the ranks. In 1969 Ed was promoted to Lieutenant, then promoted to Captain in 1973, and finally promoted to Chief on December 1, 1974. A position he held until his retirement in 1982. His son Jim Dickinson later joined the Iowa State Patrol and was given Ed’s badge number #145, becoming the third generation of Dickinson’s to carry on the law enforcement tradition.
Ed was an imposing figure who was respected for his integrity, honesty and unending passion and commitment to the Iowa State Patrol. Rest well Chief, Dad and Grandpa Ed.
He is survived by his children Jim Dickinson and Dee Dee Adams (John); his grandchildren, Adam Tometich (Amy), Kaitlin Jones (Kael), Abby, Matt and Zach Dickinson, and great- grandson Odin.
Ed is preceded in death by his wife Annie, brother Lyle and sister Doris.