Dale Brazle

Dale W. Brazle, 86, of Rockford, passed away peacefully Friday, July 15, 2016 in his home with his wife of 63 years by his side. He was born in Brown County, MN to Harry and Bertha Brazle on January 27, 1930. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Married Joan Miller in 1953; they had nine children. Dale was employed at the Rockford Register Star from 1957 to 1982, during this time, he was proud to be the president of the local National Typographical Union. Upon retiring from the newspaper, Dale started his own phototypesetting business, ComProse & Associates. He also worked at Best Buy and later drove a school bus for the Rockford Public Schools. Dale was a creative writer and penned lyrics, poems and prose. He was active in area Barber Shop Quartets and a regular in the choir at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Dale was dedicated to his wife and children and loved all of the activity that a large family generates.

He leaves behind his loving wife Joan; four sons: Dennis, Jason, Chad and Sam (JaMecca Russell) of Rockford; five daughters: Jan (Mark) Jann, Rachel (Chuck Pleuss) Brazle of Rockford, Robin (Ben) Davis, Beach Park, IL, Christina (Scott) Smith, Milton, WI, and Leza (Ed) Norris, Rockton. He will be greatly missed by his 16 grandchildren including Dana (Nick Hanserd) Jann, Leah Solfest, Grace Hauff, Sam Hauff, and Hendrix Brazle, all of Rockford; Erin (Randy) Faasuamalie, Madison, WI, Dawna (Clemens Purstinger) Brazle, Austria, EU, Kelly (Jeff) Mikoda, Batavia, IL, Curtis Davis, Sherman Oaks, CA, Matthew Davis, San Diego, CA, Christian Mier, Colorado Springs, CO, Brianna (Ben) Mullins, South Bend, IN, 2nd Class Petty Officer Logan (Taylor) Norris, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL, Andrew Smith, Enterprise, NV, Lucas Smith, Edinburg, TX, Ryan Norris, Rockton, IL; and his 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene and Harry Brazle, and grandson Alex Smith.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites were accorded. The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to Sisters Medical Services and Northern Illinois Hospice for the comfort care they provided.