Dale Phillip Johnson, 90, of Galesburg, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Apostolic Christian Skylines in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born July 5, 1934, in Doniphan, Missouri, to Harvey Johnson and Hester Cowger Johnson. His parents and siblings Bill Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, and Clayton Johnson, all preceded him in death.
Dale married the love of his life Violet Ruth Rippy on June 15, 1957, in East St. Louis, IL. She preceded him in death on November 21, 2024. Dale and Ruth dated 4 years and were married 67 years for a total of 71 years together.
Dale is survived by his children Mark (Sue) Johnson, Monmouth, IL; Judy (Mike) Simkins, Knoxville, IL; Lisa (Darrell) Smith, E. Peoria, IL; Eric (Ann) Johnson, Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Mark Johnson, Jenny (Stephen) Hurst, Bradley (Maddie) Hale, Hannah (Aaron) Lipe, Lillian (Tanner) Hurt, Jacob (Rebecca) Smith, Joshua (Kayla) Smith, Jeremiah (Maria) Smith, Nathan Johnson, Sarah Johnson and great-grandchildren, Abbi, Riley, Aiden, Asher, Declan, Jovian, Miller Kate, Molly, Ellie, Gus, Winnie, Lottie and another great grandson on the way. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Robert Thuller, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dale grew up in Doniphan, Missouri graduating from Doniphan High School. He joined the United States Army and served for 2 years. He received a marksman commendation and a good conduct medal. He was stationed in Germany post World War II. He worked for the railroad his entire career starting as a messenger for the CB & Q Railroad in 1953. He entered management in the late 1960s. He worked for 10 years traveling the nation teaching RR employees the Compass computer system after 4 rail companies merged to become the Burlington Northern (BN). He then worked as a trainmaster in the BN Peoria rail yard and then at the BN Galesburg rail yard. He was also in charge of maintaining the Galesburg rail yard computer software and managing staff. He retired in the early 1990s.
In 1971, the railroad transferred Dale to Galesburg and since then, he and Ruth made Galesburg their home. Dale was a member of the Galesburg Nazarene church for over 50 years and a member of the Crestview Nazarene church in the 1960s. He and his wife Ruth shared many special friendships in both churches. Dale was deeply involved in church ministry throughout his adult life which included roles as youth director, church board member, Sunday school teacher, greeting ministry, facilitating youth Bible quizzing and the pine wood derby. He was also the Galesburg Nazarene church treasurer for 25 years.
Dale went on several mission trips for construction projects in Africa, Tobago, and Arizona. His wife joined him on the Tobago trip. He also loved to fish and having family fish fries. Dale was known for his whit and ability to add humor to a conversation. In his later years, he and Ruth cherished their dogs Missy, Bitsy, and Bear.
A celebration of life for both Dale and Ruth will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Galesburg Nazarene Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at noon. Memorials may be made to the special bible fund at the Galesburg First Church or to the Roseville, Illinois, Church of the Nazarene. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
