Harold Albert ("Hal") Dale, Jr., age 75, died peacefully November 4, 2024, at home in Wheaton, Illinois, from complications related to Parkinson's disease. Hal was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Harold Albert (Bud) Dale, Sr., and Jean (Bannon) Dale. Hal graduated from Downers Grove South High School, Downers Grove, Illinois, in 1967 and from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, in 1971.  Following active duty in the United States Navy (1972-1974) earned an MBA from Drake University (1976).  From 1977 to 2011 he worked as an accountant for various Chicago-area corporations including Continental Grain.

Hal met Judy in March 1975.  Recently, a grammar error on a medical form triggered memories of Hal and Judy's early days together.  As Judy  reminded Hal of that incident from 1975, when Jason (age 3) corrected Hal's grammar, Hal said, "That's when I knew I wanted to marry you."  He said his thinking was that I was able to practice law, manage a household, take care of 3 young children, and teach the 3-year-old about verbs (lie-lay-lain vs. lay-laid-laid).  Nice to know what it was that won Hal's heart.  And it's ironic that it was a grammar lesson.

In 1977 Hal married Judith Mae Picken and moved to Wheaton, Illinois.  In retirement Judith and Hal stayed on in Wheaton.  Together they enjoyed children and grandchildren, family and friends, books and movies, and quiet days at home.  As a parent, Hal provided sound advice to children and grandchildren.  As his son Jason liked to say, "Hal taught me everything I know."

Hal was an introvert.  Hal's participation on a college swim team (butterfly stroke) at Grinnell College was an exception to the rules that governed his social life.  He was not outgoing, not a joiner.  Hal's favorite welcome mat was one that said "GO AWAY."

Instead of career ambitions or outside interests, Hal prioritized his family's needs and well-being. He dedicated himself to family life, protecting his family with his hallmark attention to medical details; to college savings, budgeting; investments, and record-keeping; and to "safety and security" (Hal's code words).  And like Roz in the children's animated movie Monsters, Inc., Hal always insisted on "the paperwork."

Hal's family will always think of Hal and pay tribute as they enjoy the lifestyle he secured for them. But what they will truly miss, as they accustom themselves to Hal's absence, is his dependable ability to footnote any conversation with historic and literary references.

The family also tried to respect and abide by Hal's privacy rules.  A difficulty involved Judy's role as family communicator and her propensity for storytelling, which required sharing a few details.  There were indeed many marital arguments over "who owns the truth."   Needless to say, this obituary violates Hal's essence and his privacy rules.  His objection is noted.

Hal is survived by his wife Judith; his daughters Jane Elizabeth Hanson and Gillian Leigh Schneider and his son Jason David German; by his seven grandchildren – Cole and Max Hanson; Ari and Toby Schneider; and Jay, Joey, and Josh German; by a fond family member he considered his "other daughter," Heather (Dave) Saenger and their  daughter Lilly; by his siblings – Chris Dale, Beth (Mike) Doyle, and Chuck (Sue) Dale; and by their children – Kit, Tim (Hannah Lott), and Kimi Dale; Courtney and Kevin (Michelle) Doyle; Erin (Dane) Shiltz, Dan (Ashley) Dale, and Kristin Waldhauser – and grandchildren – Clark and Kellen Dale; Eli and Finn Doyle; Sloan, Dylan, and Samantha Shiltz; Cameron and Isaiah Dale; and Braydon Waldhauser.

Celebration of Life to be held on May 17, 2025, from 12-3 pm at the Morton Arboretum, Thornhill Education Center.  A graveside service will also be held later in the Eldon Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Feral Fixers in Lombard, Illinois; to Planned Parenthood ; or to the Peoples' Resource Center in Wheaton, Illinois.