OTTAWA – Dale J. McConville, age 85, of Ottawa, passed away with his loving family at his side, Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 8th at St. Columba Church with the Reverend David M. Kipfer celebrating. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Honors by the Ottawa American Legion Post 33 Veterans Group Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 7th at Gladfelter Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 2:45 p.m. Pallbearers will be Dale’s grandchildren, Evan and Luke Brightfield, Jordan and Alyssa Goldman, Collin, Kiley, and Alec Goetsch. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Jerry Corcoran, Jerry Hicks, Mike Crowley, Sr., William McConville and Richard McConville.
Dale was born March 19, 1932 in Hammond, Indiana, a son of Mark B. and Marie (Halm) McConville. He married Phyllis Corcoran in September of 1956. Dale later married Judie (Hartshorn) Tabor July 22, 1988. Surviving are his loving wife, Judie; his children, Dawn Brightfield, Pam (Brad) Goldman, Michele (Louie) Goetsch, Kim (Michael) Tobak and Sean McConville. Dale also leaves step-sons, Jeff (Tamara) Tabor and Marc (Kathy) Tabor; brothers, William McConville and Richard (Marylee) McConville; a sister, Pat Walter; a sister-in-law, Marian McConville; grandchildren, Evan and Luke Brightfield, Jordan and Alyssa Goldman, Collin, Kiley and Alec Goetsch, and Elliana Tobak; step grandchildren, Griffin, Gracyn, Zach, and Lexie Tabor; and a great-grand-daughter, Sydney Eick. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James McConville, son-in-law, Eric Brightfield; a brother-in-law Alan Walter; and a sister-in-law, Joellen McConville.
Dale was raised on the family farm in Ophir Township. He and his brothers attended the one-room country school where all the students were McConvilles and McConville relatives. The teacher was the only female and the school board was comprised of his uncles. Dale would relate how the boys all took turns tending to the wood burning stove. He attended Mendota High School and attended St. Bede Academy for one year. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and served as a radio intercept operator. He attended and graduated from the University of Illinois, and later taught Vocational Ag at Braidwood Illinois High School. Dale was appointed by the La Salle County Board of Supervisors to serve as the county’s first Supervisor of Assessments. During his tenure, he personally reviewed and assessed every parcel in the county. In 1963 he entered the real estate business as McConville Realty and Appraisals. He owned and operated the real estate sales business until 1989 when he sold the business to his wife, Judie, and Marilyn Gabehart. Dale then opened McConville Appraisal Services and served as a certified general appraiser until retirement.
Dale served on the IVCC Board of Trustees for 22 years and was chairman of the board. He also served as president of the Illinois College Trustees Association (1987). Dale was president of the Illini Valley Board of Realtors in 1980 and was named its Realtor of the Year in 1981. He served as State President of the County Assessment Officers Association. Dale was elected to the La Salle County Board and served one four year term. In 1988 he ran for and was elected La Salle County Treasurer. Dale was a member of both the Illinois Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. He was a member and served as President of the Farm and Land Institute for the Illinois Association of Realtors. He served as a member of the board for the Illinois Trust and Savings Bank. Dale was a member of the Elks Lodge and also served on the board of Friendship Village for many years. Other memberships included the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Moose Lodge, and the Knights of Columbus. Dale built and operated two car washes in Ottawa and Mendota. Dale’s interests also included traveling in his motor home, fishing, and camping. He was also a devoted Chicago Cubs fan. Dale’s passion was his work.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Friendship Village or the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation.
Dale has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.
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