Dale Sundberg

Dale Sundberg, 88 of Galesburg, Illinois died Monday morning, September 26 at his son, Dan Sundberg’s home in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Dale was born July 1, 1928 in Galesburg, the son of Emil and Helen (Goff) Sundberg. He married Meredith Joan Shore in West Liberty, Iowa on September 2, 1951. She preceded him in death on December 20, 2014.

He is survived by his children, Rick (Lori) Sundberg and Kevin Sundberg both of Galesburg, Dan (Charmagne) Sundberg of Greenfield, Wisconsin and Vicky (Ed) Ray of Knoxville, Illinois; one brother Howard Sundberg of Oak Run; and one sister, Iris Hovind of Abingdon; ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Dale was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Allen Dale Sundberg in 1955 who died as a baby.

Dale grew up in Galesburg, graduated from Galesburg High School in 1946 and later from Carl Sandburg College. He was a member of First Christian Church. He served in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. He was a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285.

Dale worked for the City of Galesburg Fire Department for 30 years, retiring in 1984 as Assistant Chief. He then went on to work for the State of Illinois Fire Marshall’s Department, where he worked in training and education before retiring in 1995.

When Dale wasn’t working, he could be found at Oak Run. Boating, waterskiing and fishing were the activities that made him the happiest. He and his wife Joan spent their vacations every year at Lake of the Ozarks with their dear friends Ralph and Louise Mackey. Both families spent two weeks every summer in the Ozarks until the children were grown. Once their children were grown, they, too brought their children to the Ozarks for vacation. It was a tradition that spanned more than 45 years. Dale taught all of the children and grandchildren to water-ski and had the ability to teach anyone who wanted to learn. Dale water-skied every year on his birthday with the last time being on his 75th birthday.

Dale was also an avid hunter and his sons and grandsons share his love of nature to this day. Dale and his son, Rick, continued their love of deer hunting together until just a few years ago.

Dale and his wife Joan had a wide circle of friends. Louise and the late Ralph Mackie were very dear friends of Dale and Joan as is Jan McCarthy and the late Ron McCarthy.

Dale’s steady, consistent and loving presence will be missed by his family, but his devotion and commitment to them will be forever cherished.

Visitation will be from 12:00-1:30 on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Fire Alliance Camp. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com