Iowa Man Dies Days After Raising Thousands from Christmas Display

*Stock photo shown above is not the display noted in this story

A central Iowa man who for years brought joy to all in his community and inspired donations to Iowa charities through his annual effort to create a memorable Christmas light display has died.

We told you last November about Dale Marks, who after suffering symptoms of COVID-19 and complications from his illness that included multiple strokes and a heart attack, was unable to personally put up the light display. Marks' neighbors in the town of Beaverdale came together to continue the tradition and helped raise $30,000 for one of the Marks' most beloved charities, the Food Bank of Iowa. This more than tripled the total of the 2020 fundraiser, which brought in $7,000.

In a story from KCCI, Food Bank of Iowa President and CEO Michelle Book announced, "there are good people in this world, and we lost one of them last week with Dale’s passing."

Dale Marks died on December 30, after being able to see his annual holiday light display fundraiser come to pass.

His family posted Marks' obituary to his Facebook page, which can be seen below.

We're sending our best wishes to the family, friends, and loved ones of Dale Marks, as they continue to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a man whose Christmas spirit gave himself and his community reason to celebrate. There's no word on the community's plans to continue this tradition on behalf of Dale next Christmas, but we have a feeling they wil