Dale A. Zeal

Dale A. Zeal, 97, of Rockford, died November 16, 2018. Born May 23, 1921 in Galena, Illinois, the son of Charles and Margaret (O’Rourke) Zeal. He married Florence Bussan in Galena on July 27, 1942. Dale served one year in the United States Army and two years in the United States Air Corp where he received his commission and pilot rating for a B25. He worked for Northern Illinois Gas Company and predecessor companies for 38 years retiring in 1986 as a district superintendent of the Rockford district. Dale graduated from Rockford College and received an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He was active in community affairs and served as a board member for Rockford Boys and Girls Club and the Winnebago County on Aging. Dale was an active member of the Rockford Noon Lions Club since 1972. He was a member of and usher at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Survived by his son, Charles (Terri) Zeal of Roscoe; grandson, Andrew Zeal of Sangkhlaburi, Thailand; granddaughter, Allison Zeal of New Orleans, LA; sisters Sally Merschat of Concord, CA and Faye Hasken of Galena, IL. Predeceased by his loving wife Florence; sisters, Joann Fangman, Jane Tippet, Celia Dickson and Rose Simmons.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 26, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to Mass at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, Rockford University, 5050 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108 and the Rockford Lions Club Charity Foundation. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.