Major Dale E. Hixenbaugh

Major Dale Edward Hixenbaugh was promoted to Glory on May 23, 2025, at the age of 72 in Rockford, Illinois. Born on August 11, 1952, in Centralia, Illinois, Dale lived a life of deep faith, steadfast service, and joyful devotion to his family and the Lord. A proud veteran, Dale served in the United States Army for over seven years, reaching the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5) and specializing in food service. He was the recipient of multiple commendations, including awards for marksmanship, good conduct, and national defense service. Dale answered God's call to full-time ministry and, alongside his beloved wife, Major JoAnn Hixenbaugh, was commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in 1984 as part of the Servants of God session. Together, they faithfully served as Corps Officers across Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, and Minnesota before retiring in Rockford, Illinois in 2018. Dale held an Associate's Degree in Practical Ministries from Olivet Nazarene University and gave his life to the service of others through The Salvation Army. Known as a prayer warrior and Christ-like servant, Dale's life was defined by his deep love for God and people. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a source of warmth and humor to all who knew him. His love for cooking, reading, singing, and fishing was matched only by his joy in making others smile. Dale is survived by his wife of 40 years, Major JoAnn Hixenbaugh; his children, Dana (Jason) Bigelow of Oak Creek, WI, Joseph (Kendra) Hixenbaugh of Kokomo, IN, and Rebecca Hixenbaugh of Kenosha, WI; and his grandchildren Noah, Liam, Helena, Hope, and Owen. He is also survived by his siblings, Marie Hixenbaugh, Charlene (Steve) Hays, Patti Hutton, Sandy Shipley (and special friend Bruce Tettemer), Cristy (Wesley) Buchanan, and Jason Hixenbaugh; along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Billy Dean Hixenbaugh, Sr. and Clara Owens Hixenbaugh Edwards; his sister, Debra Hixenbaugh Newman; his brothers, Juvenile Hixenbaugh and Danny Hixenbaugh; his sister-in-law, Sherry Hixenbaugh; and his brothers-in-law, Gary Shipley, Dale N. Knolhoff, and Daniel Joseph Hutton. Dale's favorite Scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15), was the guiding principle of his life and ministry. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at The Salvation Army Rockford Temple Corps, 500 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford, IL 61104. A private burial will follow at Glen Oaks Cemetery in Hillsdale, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army Rockford Temple Corps in honor of Dale's legacy of service. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Major Dale E. Hixenbaugh, please visit our floral store.