He was born in Delavan, IL on April 4, 1932 to Roscoe and Laura (Fears) Athey. Dale was the youngest of seven siblings and loved his older brothers and sisters. Dale grew up in South Pekin and was shaped by a strong family, faith and midwestern values.
Dale followed in his older siblings footsteps and served in the military as an Air Traffic Controller. He loved his country and felt an obligation to serve out of love and respect for his oldest brother who gave his life in combat during WW II. After leaving the Air Force, Dale received a BS and MA degree at Bradley University to pursue his passion - teaching kids. For more than 30 years Dale taught in District 150, 25 of those years were teaching at Washington Middle School in Peoria. His favorite classes to teach were history and speed reading. You couldn’t go anywhere in Peoria without a former student saying, “hey Mr. Athey”.
Dale’s life took a great turn for the future when he married Darlene Rose Hasler on June 29, 1957. This simple step led to a lifetime of happiness for Dale. Dar, as he would call her, was a wonderful partner and it led to their three kids. Diann (Ann) Rapp and her husband Ed reside in Cary, NC and have three children and three grandsons. Dan Athey and his wife Bobbi reside at Lake Camelot and have two grown children. Dawn Scott and her husband Shawn reside in Geneva, IL.
While Dale had the opportunity to travel to many of the great parts of the world, there was nothing that put a smile on Dale’s face like time with his family. He loved hunting and fishing with Dan, a family golf outing, or beating his kids and grandkids at Wizard (his favorite card game). And, when it came to his family, he finished strong. In the last 60 days of life he danced at his granddaughter’s wedding, was surrounded by his entire family, and loved and laughed with his three great grandsons who affectionately called him “Old Papa”.
Dale always found the good in everything and everyone. He often commented on how he loved his life. His attitude impacted all around him and will be a great part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the University United Methodist Church in Peoria. A celebration of Dale’s life will be Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the church. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria with Military Rites.
Memorials may be made to University United Methodist Church in Peoria, where Dale was an active member for over 50 years.
You may view Dale’s obituary online at www.davison-fulton.com
