Dale Hurd (1926 - 2012)

He was a boiler man at Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. from 1947 to 1982 and was the owner of Dale's Used Furniture.

Dale was born May 10, 1926, in Tampico, IL, the son of John and Margaret (Sanders) Hurd.  Dale enlisted in the Navy at age 17.  He spent most of his Navy time at sea on the Pacific Ocean.  He was very proud of his military service and often talked about those years with pride.  Dale married Janice Behmer on December 11, 1948, in Polo, IL.  She died May 26, 1994.  He then married Maxine Comer on October 6, 1995. S he died February 12, 2009.  He was a member of First Open Bible Church in Rock Falls.  Dale was a member of the Rock Falls American Legion.

He enjoyed traveling and "snowbirding" for many years in Mesa, AZ.  He also enjoyed gardening, coin collecting, reading, going to Forrest Inn to eat, and tinkering with all types of gadgets.  He thought he could fix everything. Dale took responsibility for feeding the birds and squirrels at the apartment complex and made sure there were lights by the sidewalk.  He unlocked the doors in the morning at 5:00 a.m. for the morning staff and newspapers, even when he could barely walk.  Dale always had amazing willpower and determination, which were an inspiration to all.   Even through the last two years with his failing health, he was determined to walk, so he could go to church and venture out to eat and visit with his family and friends.

Survivors include two daughters, Debra (Paul) Wikoff of Morrison, IL, and Dawn (Kevin) Cannon of Sterling; one stepdaughter, Vicky (Leroy) Cooper of Wisconsin; one son, Brian (Audrey) Hurd of Rock Falls; one daughter-in-law, Grace Hurd of Dixon, IL; one stepson, John Comer of Sterling; two sisters, Audrey Reiger of Sterling and Laurie (Russ) Burmeister of Venice, FL; nine grandchildren, Tammy (Corey) Johnson of Morrison, Heather Wikoff and Stephanie Wikoff Trossbach, both of St. Louis, MO, Shaun (Jaime) Maloney, Logan Cannon, Mason Cannon, Jennifer Hurd, and Michael Hurd, all of Sterling, and Eric Hurd of Alton, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Cassidy VanZuiden, Ryan VanZuiden, Mitchell Johnson, Austin Wikoff, Maranda Spotts, Isabell Maloney, Taylor Schofield, and Ava Peneflor; four step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bruce Hurd; one sister, Eileen Harndon; three brothers, Ron Hurd, Don Hurd, and LaVerne Hurd.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A gathering will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 4, 2012, at First Open Bible Church in Rock Falls, IL, with the Rev. Les Funderberg, Pastor, officiating.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2012, at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL.

Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls.

Memorials have been established to First Open Bible Church in Rock Falls, IL, and Passages Hospice.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.