Francis “Dale” Weber, 98, of Ashkum passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Illinois Veterans’ Home in Manteno. He was born in Danforth, on September 14, 1925, a son of Frank B. and Susanna S. (Gerdes) Weber and they preceded him in death. Dale married Evelyn Frye on June 30, 1951 in Ashkum and she survives.

 

He is also survived by three daughters, Mary Jane (Charles) Down of Cabery, Paula (Pat) O’Connor of Kankakee and Brenda (Richard) Adams of Bonfield; five sons, Bernard (Cheryl) Weber of Ashkum, Leo (Kathleen) Weber of Cabery, Eric Weber of Kankakee, Duane (Christine) Weber of Beaverville, and Warren (Roxanne) Weber of Ashkum; one son-in-law, Fred Lesch of Papineau; twenty-five grandchildren; forty-two great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

 

Dale was also preceded in death by one sister, Lois Finegan; and one daughter, Ruth Lesch.

 

Dale was a lifetime Ashkum farmer and a 1943 graduate of ASH-CLIF High School. Dale serviced in the U.S. Army in the National Guard. He later served in the Korean War and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Dale was a founding member of the Ashkum Fire Department. He served several terms as Ashkum Twp. Road Commissioner and also served on a Drainage District. He was a member and held multiple offices for the Ashkum Lions Club and Ashkum American Legion. He served on the boards of Central Bank and Tri-Central Co-Op. Dale was a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum and also served as church lector. He served on the Ashkum Cemetery Committee for several years.

 

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Ashkum with Fr. Michael Powell officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashkum Catholic Cemetery.

 

Memorials may be made to the family’s wishes.