Dale Samuel Cherrick

Dale Samuel Cherrick of Decatur, Illinois passed peacefully in his sleep on September 12th, 2026. He leaves behind his wife Jennifer (Cameron) Cherrick and four beautiful daughters, Vaida Lilian, Kamryn Marie, Eveyln Rose and Ivy Grace. He is also survived by his parents, Alan and Roberta Cherrick and his sister, Esther Cherrick, of Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, he is survived by his Aunts Marsha Gold Raanan & Sara Beth Gold along with his cousins Jan, Sherry, Ben, Adam, Rachel, Matt, Leo, Lenore and Gabriel.

Dale was born on October 1st, 1983 in Springfield Illinois. He attended Springfield Southeast High School where he performed in the Sensations, a competitive show choir. A music lover of all genres, he also studied guitar and was a member of other clubs. Following graduation in 2002, he was awarded a scholarship to perform in the Lincoln Express Show Choir at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois. He graduated with an Associate Degree in 2004. He went on to complete his bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in religious studies at Elmhurst University in 2007. While there he was accepted into the Pi Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Dale celebrated his Judaism through membership at Temple B'rith Sholom where he had his Consecration, Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation. He was an enthusiastic Camp Ben Frankel camper, counselor, archery specialist and "campfire master" starting from the age of 8. He was excited to complete a 4-week BBYO trip to Israel when he was 16 and always hoped to return. While at Elmhurst University he had the opportunity to travel to Germany, Poland and Austria where he was able to visit some of the concentration camps of Europe.

Dale worked throughout high school at Baskin Robbins. He held various jobs after college including security at Vista HealthCare, Ravinia and Northwestern Sporting Events. Dale worked for EP!C assisting people with developmental disabilities before he settled into an 11 year career with the State Of Illinois Department of Human Services as a caseworker in the Decatur office. Dale also worked part-time for Papa Johns Pizza, Best-Buy and Kroger's Fuel Center.

Dale and Jen married on February 29th, 2016 in Decatur Illinois where they began their family--4 wonderful daughters. Dale's legacy is his love of family, friends and the Chicago Cubs. He never knew a stranger. He kept everyone he knew close to his heart. He will be missed by all.

A graveside service will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702, on September 16, 2026, at 11:00 am.