Certain individuals possess an innate inclination to give without expecting anything in return. These altruistic souls serve as shining examples of selflessness, and it’s truly heartwarming to become acquainted with their stories.
Among such remarkable individuals was Dale Schroeder, an embodiment of selflessness in America. Regrettably, not many were privy to the compassionate and selfless nature of his heart during his lifetime, which came to an end in 2005.
Following Dale’s passing, there were no immediate family members to mourn his loss. However, his remembrance drew an astonishing attendance of 33 individuals who identified themselves as his children, though they were previously unknown to him.
Residing in Iowa, Dale, a dedicated carpenter, exemplified relentless dedication throughout his lifetime. He allocated his work hours to his craft and reserved his personal moments for his faith.
Speaking of Dale, his close friend and attorney, Steve Nielsen, expressed the following sentiment:
“[He] went to work every day, worked really hard, was frugal like a lot of Iowans…. He had church jeans and work jeans.”
Steve provided an insight into Dale’s unassuming life, describing his consistent employment at a company in Des Moines for an impressive span of 67 years.
Over time, Dale had managed to accumulate a substantial amount of savings from his job. At one point, he shared with Steve an idea he had been contemplating: he expressed his desire to utilize a portion of his savings to support individuals in pursuing higher education.
While there’s increased availability of tuition funding and scholarships in the present day, the cost of college education remains exorbitant for a majority of individuals. Tuition fees alone can reach upwards of $30,000, presenting a significant financial burden.
Steve initially anticipated that Dale might be willing to contribute a modest portion of his previous earnings. However, what he discovered was far more remarkable. Dale had amassed a staggering sum of over $3 million that he was determined to distribute selflessly.
While Steve was momentarily taken aback by the magnitude of Dale’s wealth, he readily embraced the opportunity to assist his friend in making a positive impact on others’ lives.
Dale’s substantial savings were put to admirable use, providing financial support for the education of 33 young individuals from Iowa. Many of these recipients later went on to make significant contributions in fields such as education and medicine.
Dale’s funding initiative was tailored to aid those individuals who, despite having achieved the necessary academic standards and harboring a genuine desire to pursue higher education, were hindered by financial constraints.
His support extended to young adults who would have otherwise been compelled to forsake their aspirations due to the inability to afford college expenses.