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Served with Honor - United States Military Veteran
Dale H. Willhite
Dale H. Willhite
August 30, 1946 - July 24, 2011
of Sherrard, Illinois

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2011 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan, IL
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan, IL
Dale H. Willhite, 64, of Sherrard, IL, died Sunday July 24, 2011, at Trinity Pathway Hospice, Bettendorf, IA, following a battle with cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan, IL. Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorial visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to either Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 Second Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55902 or to Vietnam Veterans of America, Quad City Chapter No. 299, P.O. Box 6076, Rock Island, IL 61204-6076.

Dale was born August 30, 1946, in Rock Island, IL, a son of Howard H. Willhite and Esther T. Lentz Willhite. He is a Vietnam War veteran. While serving in Vietnam, he was a scout dog handler with the U.S. Army, 4th Infantry. He married Linda J. Emmons on June 19, 1971, in Lincoln, IL.

He was a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology, from which he received his Master’s degree in Professional Management.

Dale worked for the USDA Mercer County Farm Service Agency, Aledo, IL, for 32 years. He retired as County Executive Director for the agency in 2001.

He was a member of Vietnam Veterans of America. He enjoyed collecting antiques, sharing his views on politics, and flying. He held a private pilot license.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Willhite, Sherrard; sons (and spouses), Darrin (Miranda) Willhite, Palm Springs, FL, Mark (Megan) Willhite, Grayslake, IL, and Todd Willhite, Rock Island; grandchildren, Sully and Cecilia Willhite; brother, Max (Carol) Willhite, Milan; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to express a heartfelt “Thank You” to Dr. Garneau and staff, to the VA Hospital in Iowa City, and the staff of Trinity Pathway Hospice for their kindness and wonderful care.



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I'm convinced that Dale is at peace now and will always be with all of us in Spirit. He'll be missed.
-- Sue Williamson

Our hearts are heavy for your deep loss, but we are so thankful that his suffering days are over. Because of Riley's health we cannot come but will send a card soon and also a Memorial in his name. Love and prayers, Uncle Riley and Aunt Lillian
-- Riley and L:illian Schaub

I'm gonna miss you 'ol buddy! Thanks for the many laughs and memories!
-- Jerry Sierra

I will always treasure our talks to together. You could strike up a conversation about anything with anyone. I will miss hearing your small town expressions, your strong political views, your passion for cars, your love of your family, your Daleisms, your fondness of women's frangrances and jewelry, your ability to always sense a good deal, and of course the incredible memories you gave me. I miss you dad. We will always love you!
-- Miranda Khan

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you Miranda to you and your family. This has been a difficult year but God knows that they are still with you and your family and always will be.....Sincerely, Pearce Blair
-- Pearce Blair

Sorry we can't be there. We will send a Memorial in his name.
-- Willard & Betty Emmons

Dear Linda, I am sorry to read on-line of Dale's death. I am out of town but may be able to be home for the memorial. I know he was wonderful because he has a wonderful family. Love, Gwen
-- Gwendolyn Blais

Linda, my heart goes out to you during this time of loss. I feel blessed to have met both you and Dale through the antique world. Dale's smile will forever be imprinted in many many hearts.
-- Lorie Charles

Dale and I were in the same graduating class at Rock Island High School. My deepest sympathy to his family.
-- Steve Edwards

To our great friend, Dale. Your days of Dr. visits, hospital stays, needle sticks, emergency room visits, pills and painful treatments are over. We miss you terribly. May you rest in peace now. Try to keep the car dealing and jewelry and blanket buying to a minimum! We love you.
-- Steve and Peggy Biscontine

Dale was one of my favorite people of all time. I loved talking to him and loved disagreeing with him even more. One of a kind,that's for sure. Love,Beak
-- Beak

Linda, We are so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. I enjoyed knowing and working with him. He will be missed.
-- Lynn Garner

Thank you for letting us at Trinity Pathway Hospice, Bettendorf help to care for Dale. It was a pleasure to meet Dale and his loving family. With Deepest Sympathy, Karen
-- Karen Arkebauer

Dear Linda,

We are very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed seeing Dale at auctions and "politally sparring" with him.

Take care.

Allan & Jill
-- Allan and Jill Ross

So very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting him at home discussing everthing from cars to politics and life in general. He loved to share his thoughts with you. He will be dearly missed.
-- keith judickas

Deepest sympathies for your loss.
-- Dr. Jean Wardlow & Family

Linda, we were deeply saddened to hear of Dale's passing, but we know his suffering is over. Being like minded, we surely enjoyed his take on politics and the many conversations we had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult transition. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
-- Herb and Diane Trix