Dale E. Grieser

He was born on June 24, 1930, in Minonk, IL, the son of Delbert and Lois (Schrader) Grieser.

Dale grew up in Delavan, IL, where, along with his sisters, Betty and Mary, and his brother, Billie, he helped his parents in running their Ben Franklin Store. He joined the Illinois National Guard and served his country in Korea. When he returned, Dale went to the University of Illinois on the GI Bill and earned a degree in civil engineering. During his time at U of I, he met Jane Pierron, and they married on June 22, 1957, in Highland, IL.

By the 1960s, they moved to Springfield, where Dale worked as a civil engineer for the State of Illinois for 40 years. He was the patriarch of a grand family that included six children: Kathy, Diane, Debbie, Jackie, Jeff and Jon; 29 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. In the 1970s, he coached his daughters in Khoury League Softball and led them to the State Championship. In the 1980s, Dale coached his sons in hockey. He enjoyed getting out to support his children and grandchildren, and rarely missed opportunities to see them playing baseball, hockey, basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

Once retired, Dale became a fixture in the weight room at the Kerasotes YMCA and was proud to be one of its most senior active members.

He was a true U.S. patriot, proud to be an American and a son of downstate Illinois. Dale was also a devoted Catholic and a member of Christ the King Parish for more than 70 years. Dale’s greatest passion, however, was spending time at home surrounded by his family. And he was extremely blessed, because this was often the case.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, followed by the Mass at 10:15 a.m., with Fr. Alex McCullough, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Agnes Grade School or St. John’s Breadline.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.