Dr. John B. Dale

He was born December 14, 1969 in Mt Vernon, IL to Bruce and Diana (Jones) Dale. He married Sarah E. McKee on September 10, 1994 in Alton, IL. She survives along with one daughter, Elizabeth Dale of Brimfield, his mother and step-father, Diana and Ron Winternheimer of Dahlgren, IL, his father and step-mother, Bruce and Candace Dale of Trophy Club, TX, one sister, Kristen (Rodney) Tracer of Trophy Club, TX, his nephews, Grayson, Gavin and Griffin, two step-brothers and one step-sister, many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Tim Dale, his beloved Grandparents, and Uncle Larry Reynolds.

John graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1988, where he was class president and valedictorian. He attended Washington University in St. Louis before going to SIU School of Dental Medicine, receiving his doctorate in 1995.

John served in the United States Navy as an Officer and Dentist for 7 years. He was stationed in Bethesda, MD, Okinawa, Japan and Newport, RI. John was decorated with seven medals for outstanding achievement and service. He began a clinic for dependant spouses and children while stationed in Japan. He was a member of the Edgar D. Coolidge Endodontic Study Club. He ended his service as a Lieutenant Commander.

After leaving the military, he returned to school in St. Louis to St. Louis University-Center for Advanced Dental Education and received his Master of Science and Endodontic Specialty degree in 2001.

He practiced in the Milwaukee area for over three years. He opened his own Endodontic office in February 2004 in Peoria. He opened his second location adjacent to Illinois Central College in 2016 to aid in serving patients who live and work on that side of the Illinois River.

In 2008, after seven years of treatment and study, Dr. Dale became a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.

His Professional Memberships and Affiliations included: Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics, Edgar D. Coolidge Study Club, American Association of Endodontics, Illinois Endodontic Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Peoria District Dental Society, American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry 1995-2001.

Known for his warm and gentle personality, John prided himself on spending time with patients to explain procedures while providing treatment as gently and quickly as possible, and to the highest of standards. He believed in treating each patient as he would want his loved ones to be treated.

Over the years, John pursued many hobbies. He was currently a high school and college baseball umpire. He refereed boy’s high school basketball for many years. He was well-versed in playing many musical instruments, and was currently studying cello under a renowned cellist and conductor/musical director. John was also a private pilot who was working on becoming instrument rated. He loved to watch old movies. He enjoyed traveling to new places, reading, art and spending time with family and friends. He and Elizabeth were especially close, even after she moved to Bloomington, IL to attend Illinois Wesleyan University. He was so very proud of her and of all her accomplishments.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kickapoo.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a kind, gentle and generous soul. He was incredibly talented. He was smart, adventurous, endlessly curious and he loved his family deeply. Even when life brought challenges, he faced them with courage and heart. He wasn’t perfect, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was his love, his generosity and the joy he brought to the people around him. May he rest in peace, and may we honor his life by cherishing the love he gave so fully.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.

Funeral services will be private.

Memorials may be made to the family for his daughter Elizabeth’s education fund. You may view John’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com