Dale is the son of Harry and Susan Warke Cruse. He married Janet Rueter in Springfield on August 2, 1980. He graduated from Springfield High School with the class of 1975 and later graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Industrial Technology. Dale is survived by his wife, Janet, and leaves behind a legacy carried by his two children, Carolyn (partner, Andy Kaiser) of Urbana and Brian (Julia) with grandson, Levi, of Bloomingdale; and brother, Barry (Lisa) Cruse, of Wheaton.
Known for his unique and timeless character, Dale was truly an old soul. Dale found joy in the company of his father, a veteran of WWII, and other members of the Greatest Generation, often relishing those moments more than his own social circles. His ideal afterlife would be spent in the company of family and friends who have preceded him, as well as with the legendary Chicago mobsters of the 1920s and 1930s, a testament to his fascination with that past and that age.
His passions included a love for vintage cars, a fondness for the stylings of Archie Bunker, admiration for Ronald Reagan, and an unparalleled devotion to his '66 Lincoln Continental convertible. Dale’s annoyance for modern technology was well known with computers and remote controls ranking high on his list of things he least enjoyed.
A private service will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Homes- Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham, IL 62629.
As we bid farewell to Dale Cruse, we remember a man who embraced the timeless, cherished the company of those who came before him, and left an indelible mark on those around him. May he find the eternal camaraderie he envisioned in the afterlife.
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