Dale Lynn Wick 1945-2026

Dale came into the world on a bright, chilly Chicago morning in 1945. She was born to Orville and Laverne Thurnell, on March 12th, at Saint Joseph Hospital. She often said that she saw the world through rose-colored glasses – a perspective that reflected her joyful spirit and positive outlook on life. Her kindness and sense of humor touched many people over the years, as she had a love of creatures great and small. Dale passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026 at Kishwaukee Hospital in Dekalb, Illinois, in the presence of her family.

Dale grew up in Chicago and cherished the summers she spent in Wonder Lake with her beloved grandparents, sister and cousins. Those summers were filled with adventure, laughter and the simple joys of childhood – riding bikes, catching turtles and lightning bugs and making memories that would remain close to her heart throughout her life. Dale attended Carl Schurz high school and later, the University of Illinois where she studied Art. She left college to marry her high school sweet heart (Douglas) and to begin raising a family. Over the years, Dale worked a variety of jobs, and no matter where life took her, she had a gift for creating long lasting connections and friendships.

Dale has countless stories about caring for animals. From catching painted turtles, to rescuing kittens, dogs, raccoons, donkeys, and just about any other creature in need, her compassion for animals knew no bounds. Over the years, she welcomed more pets into her life than anyone could count – dogs, kittens and cats, ducks, geese, lizards, turtles, guinea pigs, horses, donkeys, and many others. Animals seemed to always sense they were safe in Dale's company. Gozy and Elmira (her geese) always kept her kids on their toes as they waddled across the yard.   She also loved camping and the outdoors. Many wonderful memories were made during the years spent at Lakeland Campground in Wisconsin. Summer memories were filled with sunny days – spent boating, whipping the kids on tubes into figure eights, gathering around campfires, sharing stories, enjoying bingo, and time spent with good friends and family. The  friendships formed there, including those with the Gross and Sharp families, became cherished relationships that lasted a lifetime.

Dale is preceded in death by her parents (Orville and Laverne), her grandparents (Wilbert and Emilie) and her beloved cousin Lois. Dale is survived by her 3 children Steve (Irene), Dave (Kris), Kristin (Matthew), her sister Lauren (James) and her nieces Jamy (Daniel) and Lisa (Adam). Her grandchildren Andrew (McKayla), Brooke (Josh), Katie (Nick), Jacob, Matthew, Thomas, Peter, Benji, John, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great niece. In addition to extended family in Minnesota and Florida whom she enjoyed keeping in touch with.

Dale will always be remembered for her positive outlook on life, owning her imperfections, her generosity, friendship, wonderful sense of humor, her love of animals, the historic home she and her family shared, Fannie May, the Cactus Shack, Russell's and her unwavering devotion to the Chicago Cubs. She was forever a kid at heart, finding joy in the little things and bringing laughter to so many. Her memory will live on in the hearts of many people and animals whose lives she touched. Her family will gather for a private service to celebrate her life and share memories of the person she was.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale's memory and honor to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization that reflects her lifelong love and compassion for animals.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com