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Dale Athey Obituary
PEORIA - Dale Keith Athey, age 86, of Peoria passed away Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, at 11:08 a.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born in Delavan, IL, on April 4, 1932, to Roscoe and Laura (Fears) Athey. Dale was the youngest of seven siblings and loved his older brothers and sisters. Dale grew up in South Pekin and was shaped by a strong family, faith and midwestern values.
Dale followed in his older siblings footsteps and served in the military as an Air Traffic Controller. He loved his country and felt an obligation to serve out of love and respect for his oldest brother who gave his life in combat during World War II. After leaving the Air Force, Dale received a BS and MA degree at Bradley University to pursue his passion, teaching kids. For more than 30 years, Dale taught in District 150, 25 of those years were teaching at Washington Middle School in Peoria. His favorite classes to teach were history and speed reading. You couldn't go anywhere in Peoria without a former student saying, "hey Mr. Athey."
Dale's life took a great turn for the future when he married Darlene Rose Hasler on June 29, 1957. This simple step led to a lifetime of happiness for Dale. Dar, as he would call her, was a wonderful partner and it led to their three kids. Diann (Ann) Rapp and her husband, Ed, reside in Cary, NC, and have three children and three grandsons. Dan Athey and his wife, Bobbi, reside at Lake Camelot and have two grown children. Dawn Scott and her husband, Shawn, reside in Geneva, IL.
While Dale had the opportunity to travel to many of the great parts of the world, there was nothing that put a smile on Dale's face like time with his family. He loved hunting and fishing with Dan, a family golf outing, or beating his kids and grandkids at Wizard (his favorite card game). And, when it came to his family, he finished strong. In the last 60 days of life, he danced at his granddaughter's wedding, was surrounded by his entire family, and loved and laughed with his three great-grandsons who affectionately called him "Old Papa."
Dale always found the good in everything and everyone. He often commented on how he loved his life. His attitude impacted all around him and will be a great part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the University United Methodist Church in Peoria. A celebration of Dale's life will be Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at 10 a.m. at the church. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, with military rites.
Memorials may be made to University United Methodist Church in Peoria, where Dale was an active member for over 50 years.
You may view Dale's obituary online at www.davison-fulton.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Athey
Sponsored by Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel.
November 29, 2018
Darlene. So sorry to learn of Dale's passing. He was a very nice man. Take care. Sally McCarthy
Jim Garrott
November 28, 2018
My experience at Washington set the foundation for the rest of my life. I was blessed with many wonderful teachers and Mr. Athey was certainly at the top of the list. Anytime I would see him after I graduated he would remark that he missed me in History Club when I started participating in sports. Based upon my lack of skill and my love of history (thanks in no small part to him) I should have stayed in history club! My thoughts are with the Athey family.
Bob Carruthers
November 26, 2018
Dar and members of the Athey Family,
I was very much saddened to learn of Dale's recent passing. We worked together for
many years in District 150, and for the past two years we were neighbors with Dale and
Darlene.
I always thought Dale was an excellent and caring educator and teacher. His former pupils enjoyed being in his classroom, and his leadership with the Peoria Teacher's
Union demonstrated his caring thoughts and feelings for his fellow educators.
He and Dar were a very loving and ideal couple.
He will be greatly missed by many! God Bless,
Bob and Judy Carruthers
November 25, 2018
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time ( Hosea 13:14)
Deborah Hofmann (Henschel)
November 25, 2018
Rest In Peace, Mr. Athey. You taught me so many things by your daily example and innovative classroom. Your speed-reading immersions were a bold initiative at the time in our Gifted classrooms. Those skills gave me early confidence and practice that has lasted a rich lifetime. You were mellow, steady and true. A kind human being, and for many of us, a father figure, one who imparted a sense of care and belief in us as students. Thank you always, Mr. Athey.
November 24, 2018
Please accept my condolences.you.are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain May God give you.and your family strength and confort.to help you endure this.loss As.you remember your beloved one, the,God of peace in every Way. May you find Strength.From the love, and care That Surrounds you and your family and the confort,in the memories that you shared 2 Thessalonians 2:15,16
Amy Richardson Hancock
November 24, 2018
Such a great teacher! I had Mr. Athey many years ago at Washington for Social Studies and Speed Reading. My family also attended his church and it was great to run into him there as well. He always had such a great attitude. My condolences to all of his family.
Sharon Bremer
November 24, 2018
What a privilege to have known Dale all these years. Even if our families have been separated by miles....you and yours have and always will be close to our hearts. Special and loving memories make me smile. Thank you for being the gentle, caring man that you were with your wonderful family.
Sharon Bremer and Bob Jaramillo, Richland, WA
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