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Visitation:
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 28, 2020, at
Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln
Service:
Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the
church with a time of visitation one hour prior.
Funeral home:
Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln
Obituary
Dale E. McRoberts, loving husband,
father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home
surrounded by his family on August 25, 2020, in
Lincoln.
Dale was born to Charlie and Etheleen McRoberts on
June 26, 1936, in his family home on the New Holland
curve. After graduating from Atlanta High School in
1954, he proudly enlisted in the Marine Corps and
served with the 3rd Marine Division during the
Korean War era. Dale, who earned the rank of
Sergeant, was stationed in Okinawa, and held the
positions of armory repair man and DUKW driver. Dale
was a proud veteran and loved his country. Upon
returning to the states, Dale graduated from
Illinois State Normal University in 1961 with his
bachelor’s degree in Education, and a minor in
History. He later earned his master’s degree in
Vocational Education from the University of
Illinois.
He married Beverly Rankin, the love of his life, on
June 19, 1960, at the Methodist Church in
Waynesville, IL. They recently celebrated 60
wonderful years of marriage together.
Dale began teaching in 1961 at Delavan High School,
teaching industrial arts, drivers’ education, and
served as assistant basketball coach. In 1963, he
started his teaching career at Lincoln Community
High School as an industrial arts teacher, and in
1968 began as the vocational area building trades
instructor. He continued in this role for 26 years,
instructing and overseeing the construction of 25
Building Trades homes. Dale had a widespread impact
on his students throughout his tenure and many
continued in the trades business. Dale retired from
teaching in 1994.
Dale was an accomplished professional square dance
caller. He began calling in 1968 in Mason City.
Throughout his 52-year career, Dale taught square
dance lessons in Atlanta, Delavan, Lincoln, and
Morton. Dale was the club caller for the Morton
Whirl-A-Ways for over 40 years. He called his final
dance in March 2020. Together with his wife,
Beverly, they traveled to clubs all over the Midwest
and spent several summers as staff callers in
Colorado and Georgia. Many fond memories were spent
with their square dance family and friends. In 2013,
Dale and Beverly were inducted into the Illinois
Square Dance Association Hall of Fame for their
dedication and promotion of square dancing. His love
of music also led Dale to playing the guitar,
singing, and jamming regularly with his bluegrass
friends in the area.
Dale was an avid golfer. He enjoyed
golf with his regular morning golf buddies. He was
proudest of his 3 holes in one at the Lincoln Elks
Country Club on holes 2, 8, and 13. Dale and Bev
were part of a couples’ bridge card club and also
liked to bowl. Dale was on a bowling team for many
years at the Logan Lanes Bowling Alley. Dale also
golfed and bowled with his wife and family, and
bowling become a Thanksgiving tradition!
Dale’s most treasured memories were
those spent with family around the dining room
table: enjoying sumptuous dinners prepared by his
wife and playing games with his children and
grandchildren. |
Dale also gathered the family in 2019
and went on a vacation that took them back to their
most cherished locations in Colorado. Dale loved to
read. He would visit the Lincoln Public Library
every week for the latest westerns and war novels.
Additionally, he also enjoyed the daily crossword
puzzle.
Dale was a faithful and devoted Christian, reading
the Bible daily. He was a member of Jefferson Street
Christian Church, in Lincoln, and helped with the
construction of their new sanctuary. Dale recently
renewed his faith by being baptized again at his
church.
Dale was a member of the Atlanta American Legion
Post #341, Lincoln Elks Lodge #914, The Oasis Senior
Center, and CALLERLAB (The International Association
of Square Dance Callers).
Dale is survived by his wife, Beverly; three
daughters, Gayle McRoberts of Taylorville, IL,
Connie Long of Williamsville, IL, and Sharon (Tom)
Burt of Freeport, IL; three granddaughters, Jenny
Methling of Nashville, TN, and Emily Burt and
Kendall Burt of Freeport, IL; one sister, Wilma
(Dick) Fugate of Atlanta, IL; many nieces and
nephews; and countless special friends. He is
preceded in death by his parents Charlie and
Etheleen McRoberts, and sisters Betty June Kindred
and Linda Charlene McRoberts.
The family would like to say Thank You to Dr. Mary
Bretscher, Sharon, Katie, and Lyndsay and the staff
at Springfield Clinic. A special thank you to Mark,
Ernie, and the entire staff at Safe Haven Hospice,
especially to Peggy, Beth, Lyndsey, and Shane for
all the wonderful care and compassion they gave to
Dale during this time.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.,
Friday, August 28, 2020, at Jefferson Street
Christian Church in Lincoln. Additional visitation
will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday
at the church. Attendees will be required to wear a
mask and social distance.
His funeral will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020,
at 2:00 p.m. at the church, with Michael Mallick and
Henry Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at the
Atlanta Township Cemetery, Atlanta, IL, with
military rights.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a blood
donation. Memorials may also be made on Dale’s
behalf to Safe Haven Hospice, Jefferson Street
Christian Church, Oasis Senior Center, or the
Multiple Myeloma Foundation.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall
not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley
Funeral Home of Lincoln.
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