Dale M. Anderson

Dale M. Anderson, 89, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at his home in Libertyville, IL. He was born to Harold R. Anderson and Violet M. (nee Johnson) Anderson on December 15, 1933 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. As a youth, he spent many happy hours at the family cottage on the Mississippi River near Galena, IL. At an early age, Dale knew he wanted to become a dentist. He worked a paper route in the neighborhood, sold magazines door-to-door, mowed lawns, shoveled snow and as a teenager, drove a Mallquist Dairy butter and egg delivery truck. Money earned was saved for his future education. A 1951 graduate of Rockford East High School (ERABS), Dale played the cornet in the high school marching band. Undergraduate studies, in the science department, were done at Beloit College in Beloit, WI. He transferred into the dental program at Northwestern University in Chicago where he was awarded his D.D.S degree in January, 1959. Shortly thereafter, he joined the military and was attached to the 1st Marine Division FMF at Camp Pendleton in CA. Dale was a proud member of Psi Omega Fraternity. On September 14, 1957 he married the former Emily J. Hoaglund of Moline, IL. A U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, Dale served as one of three dentists on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, CVA-14. In August, 1964 he was aboard ship for the Gulf of Tonkin incident and vividly remembered details of that day throughout his life. Consensus at the time was that no threat was observed or imminent. One duty station was with the Naval Support Activity in Naples, Italy for three years. The family was able to absorb the culture and travel extensively through western Europe. After 23 years of service in the Navy, Dale retired and accepted a faculty position in the dental school at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He became chairman of the Endodontics Department. In 2000, Dale retired from that position and returned to his home in Libertyville, IL where he resided until his death. Hobbies included reading WW II history, photography, solving crossword puzzles, and a knowledge of fine wines. He was formerly a member of Centre Club. His family will remember Dale as an avid shopper with a keen eye for a bargain. Relatives remembered his sincere, joyful laugh and love of a good joke. Even in retirement, he was happy to share his dental knowledge and give advice when asked. In recent years, he was happy he remained a licensed driver who kept his independence. Survivors include his wife of nearly 66 years, Emily; 2 children, Susan J. Anderson (partner Warner W. Riley), and Jim Anderson (fiancée, Annette Teaney); 2 granddaughters, Devon and Jenna Anderson and a brother, Dwight Anderson of FL. Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Wilfred “Bill” L. Anderson, sister, Joyce M. Hoffman, and daughter-in-law, Marcia (Zwier) Anderson. He will be missed by family and friends but loved ones know his was a full life, well lived. A private interment will be held at Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, IL. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville, IL. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Dale M. Anderson

December 15, 1933 - August 23, 2023