Dale Rousey

Dale Covington Rousey, 101, passed away on October 27th at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN where he had been a patient for one day. He was born in Jacksonville, Illinois on December 20, 1920 to Terry and Stella (Covington) Rousey. Dale grew up on a farm outside of Murrayville, Illinois, the middle brother of Kenneth and Clyde Rousey. The family moved to Hannibal, MO in 1934. Dale graduated from Hannibal High School in 1939. After the death of his Father in 1941, the family returned to Illinois settling in Moline. He held various jobs before enrolling in Plumbing and Pipefitting trade school in the early 1940's. After finishing trade school, he enlisted in the Navy in June of 1944. He was an Aviation Ordinance Man during WWII serving in Oklahoma, Texas, and Hawaii until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was thrilled to take part in the Honor Flight program in 2008. He met his wife Mary, the sister of his good friend Fred Ehrhardt, at a dance at the Col Ballroom in Davenport, Iowa. They were married in 1950 and celebrated 70 years of marriage before her passing in 2020. Dale continued his career as a pipefitter working for various companies in the Quad City area. He retired in 1986 from Neumann Plumbing and Heating after 42 years in the trade. Dale lived life to the fullest making many friendships he cherished along the way. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Moline. He served on the Board of Trustees and was a member of the Judson Sunday School class. Dale was also a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #25 union for 78 years. He was also a life member of Masonic Lodge #1014 (now Doric lodge #319) in Moline. He also served on the Mechanical Board of Appeals for the city of Moline for 30 years. In 2005, Dale and Mary moved to Rochester, MN to be near their daughter and her family. In Rochester, Dale was active in their co-op association serving a term as board president. He relished his role as a grandfather and loved spending time with his only grandson Ethan. He rarely missed a sporting event or piano recital. Eventually, Dale and Mary moved to The Homestead, a senior living facility in Rochester. He continued to reside in the independent living section at Homestead after Mary's passing in 2020. He was a regular at the Men's Morning Coffee Group, which he loved. He thoroughly enjoyed the friendships he made during his years at The Homestead. He will be remembered for his quick wit and his love of both telling and hearing a good joke. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Kenneth and Clyde Rousey. He is survived by his Daughter and Son-in-Law, Martha and Greg Bone, and his Grandson Ethan. Also surviving are two Sisters-in-Law and many Nieces and Nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Homestead in Rochester for their kindness during his residency there. A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2023 in Moline, Illinois with a date to be determined. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester is assisting in arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Moline, Illinois. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Rousey family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.