Dillon Harold Hale

Dillon was born in Chicago, Illinois May 12,1936 to Dillon Sr. and Elizabeth Hale. He grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin participating in Boy Scouts, archery, diving, gymnastics, and football. During his youth, he began developing a strong work ethic by delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, and pumping gas at the local station. Dillon’s summers were spent lifeguarding at the city pool and working on family farms in Iowa. After graduating From Watertown High School in 1954, Dillon attended college at Marquette University for one year before finishing his education at Ripon College. While at Ripon, he studied pre-med and biology, and joined the a cappella group, “The Riponaires.” As their frequent soloist, Dillon performed around the region at other colleges and municipal events. Dillon often earned school money by singing at weddings and funerals. Performing as a soloist during church services was a distinct joy of his for many years.

Beginning in 1957, Dillon entered the Army and proudly served for four years training new recruits, primarily at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After being honorably discharged, Dillon returned to Wisconsin, started a family, and began a career in management. It wasn’t long before he took ownership of the Arcadia Lanes bowling alley in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

His journey through life turned in a new direction, and in 1967 Dillon found himself starting over in Chicago with a new career and a new nickname, “Matt” (from Gunsmoke). In 1971 he founded an executive search company “CEMCO,” and on October 30,1972, he married Dorothy Wilson in Oak Park, Illinois. His family grew to include seven children: Kim Hrobsky, Kevin Hale, KayCee Crowley, Kerri Johnson, Kristi Hale, Kelly Hale, and Karen Suzara. They were later joined by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Although Matt excelled in many things, nothing brought him more joy and pride than the successes of his family and those he nurtured in business. He enthusiastically shared his love of learning and looked for the bright side of every situation. He embodied a unique balance of youthful playfulness with being a source for steadfast guidance. He delighted in lifting the mood and often provided opportunities for making joyful memories to last a lifetime. He was an excellent storyteller and captivated us all with recollections of his experiences and hilarious tales filled with intentional spoonerisms and boundless creativity. Through to his last days he enjoyed matching wits with his family, always at the ready with riddles, puns, and limitless dad jokes. He expanded minds with new perspectives, and helped us see that success came in many different forms. One of his many gifts was to help others see, not merely look.

Matt worked hard in his life to make sure he gave his family every opportunity and rarely did anything for himself. The last few years were a struggle as he navigated an ailing body and a strong mind. On a lovely sunny day, Matt passed comfortably in his own home, sitting in his favorite recliner, surrounded by love.

There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. To honor him, please share his favorite pastimes. Sing a song, tell a joke, and make someone smile. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.