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Butch Dalen, 70, of Roscoe passed away Monday, January 15th at his home surrounded by his family. Born May 7th, 1947 in Rockford, IL to Edwin O. and Leona (Miller) Dalen. Graduated from Harlem High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 1967-1970. He was sent to Vietnam where he was wounded twice within one week. He received 2 purple hearts and many other awards. He worked for many years at Rockford Process Control as an electrician, until he retired in 2016. Butch was involved in many activities throughout his life. If he wasn't playing sports he was coaching them. He was involved with the Harlem Community Center and Forest Hills Diamonds, where he was voted coach of the year many times. He coached his sons and grandchildren's games whenever he could.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, Uncle and friend. Butch was married to Micky (Swartout) Dalen for 23 blissful years. He was a disgruntled Chicago Bears fan who was kicked out of the house on many occasions for his negativity on football Sundays. He loved to be with his family any chance he could going camping, hiking, and having cook-outs. He was always there to help when needed. He never complained about helping someone in need. He was honest to a fault and would let you know if he thought you were in the wrong.
He attended any event or sporting event his grandkids were involved in. He loved to give his grandkids advice on how they could improve or what they could have done better on. He loved being a Grandpa and was devoted to each and every one of them.
Survived by his wife Micky (Swartout) Dalen and Ex-wife and friend Carolyn Dalen. His sons; Ed (Melanie) Dalen, Brian (Lora) Dalen, and Jason Dalen. Daughters; Amy Beck, and Tammy (Bob) Remily. Sisters; Romel (George) Neblock, Wendy (Andy) Kawalec, and Moana Pena. Brothers; Laird Dalen and Tracy Dalen. Grandsons; Jacob Tijerina, Drew Boyd, Evan Dalen, Keegan Beck, Austin Dalen, Jackson Remily, and Thomas Dalen. Granddaughters; Samantha (Ryan) Cross, Aryn (Drew) Hayden, Aubrey Dalen, Casey Johnson, Paige Gordon, Lauren Huff, and Kylee Beck. Great- Grandsons, Cameron Jenkins, O'dyn Cross, and Aven Hayden. Great- Granddaughters; Myleigh Jenkins and Joslyn Cross and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Predeceased by his parents Ed and Leona Dalen, Father-In-Law Orlando Swartout, and Brother-In-Law Jim Pena.
Special thank you to all our family and friends who came provided great support and comfort during this difficult time.
Visitation to be held at Sunset Funeral Home in Machesney Park on Saturday, January 20th at 9:00 a.m. with services to follow at 11:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sunset Funeral Home.
January 23, 2018
Chris Fleming (Hall)
To Butch's Family,
I had the wonderful experience of playing ball with Butch as the coach..always fun..you knew when you did well, and when you didn't!! But he would always bring you back up in a better way. I would see him every now and then at the ball diamond when I would come home, and we would catch up on family. He will always be "Santa Claus" to my 2 oldest daughters! Take care, you are in my thoughts.
January 20, 2018
Cindy Stewart
Jason and Dalen Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. He was a great Father and friend.
I hope you realize that you have only lost his presence in your life. You will have memories to last the rest of your life. Think of it this way... he has moved in to Heaven, where all his needs will be met and he will be forever happy.
Our hugs to you all.
Cindy n Keith Stewart,
January 19, 2018
Sylvia Gill
Sincerest condolences from the Gill family
January 19, 2018
Sylvia Gill
Sincerest condolences from the Gill family
January 19, 2018
Joe Haynes
I am so sorry for your loss Micky. May God give you the peace and strength to get through these tough times. My prayers are with you and your family.
January 18, 2018
a loved one
January 18, 2018
So sorry to hear. Yet another of our class...you will be missed for sure. I will miss you on Face Book for sure. Judy Dray class of '66
January 18, 2018
Allie Roush
Butch was an amazing man. I was really little when I first met him but anytime I saw him he treated me just like I was his own blood even though I wasn't. When I heard this news my heart sank but it was also uplifted. I got to see him for the first time in a couple years this past summer with my sister Bre. I love you so much Butch! Rest in paradise and fly high❤
January 18, 2018
Dianna and Aaron Roush
RIP Butch. You were best father-in-law anyone could ask for when I lost my grandpa am I dad you stepped up and became my dad love you always and forever you are and it mazing man I am very happy I got to see you just a few months ago
January 18, 2018
Sue Morris
So sorry for your loss, it was a great pleasure to meet Butch and have the family welcome me to their gatherings, Butch and his family will always have a special place in my heart
January 18, 2018
The Roush family
RIP Butch...you were the best father in law anyone could ask for. When i lost my father and grandpa you stepped up and became my Dad....Love you always and forever. You were an amazing Man...fighting for our Country and loving all . I am very happy I got to see you just of few months ago I was blessed to have you in my life . Prayers to all of the family . You will be deeply missed
January 18, 2018
Doug Meyers
God bless all of you. We are very sad and you guys are in our thoughts at this time.
January 18, 2018
Mike and Christie Skupien
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
January 17, 2018
Bill and Donna Apgar
Condolences to Micky, Moana and family.
January 17, 2018
Cathy Mauerman
I am so truly sorry for your loss, I met bucth while working at RPC and wow was he a great guy and such a good listener it would of been great to of had him for a dad. I will always remember you butch and all our crazy talks we had. Rest in peace.
January 17, 2018
pat dunn
He reminded so much of your Dad with all the softball coaching. He was a good brother as I remember him helping Tracy and Sonia with fixing things, gone but not forgotten RIP
January 17, 2018
Lori Mitchell
Remembering all the fun times we shared at HCC with you all, but especially Butch and his gruff, but loving demeanor. Prayers for you all as you work through this tragic loss to your family. Praying for your hearts to be comforted by your memories as well. Love, Lori Mitchell
January 17, 2018
Mark Olson
Prayers to the family I will miss you butch you were always calm and very caring to all us "kids" you were a great man who did alot of great things for us r.i.p.
January 17, 2018
Barry Britton
Butch and I shot pool together for several years. To me, he was more than a teammate; he was a real friend.
RIP, Butch
Barry
January 17, 2018
Kathryn Mowell
I liked this guy the first time I met him. When we met he was young with Carolyn. They lived behind us and Eddie was 5 years old and played with my son Mike. Butch was a big guy and his looks and size reminded me of Grizzley Adams,he was knocking on my door with a measuring cup in his hand. He was cooking and wanted to borrow a cup of sugar...all I could think was... how sweet... he was a big teddy bear! My husband and butch ended up coaching my Mike and Eddie in baseball. I will never forget his passion and how many times that passion would get him tossed off the field. He is a guy you can never forget. I am so very sorry for the loss your family feels today but the warmth in your heart is Butch. He will never leave you!
January 17, 2018
Tracy Sullins
Dalen Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Butch was such a nice man. I remember what a great Coach he was with Sam when he was playing little league. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Cherish your memories and hold on to one another tight.
January 17, 2018
Sherry "Schlueter" Roach
I will keep you all in my prayers. Butch will be remembered my me and my family as a true friend of mine and my Dad "Cowboy". RIP Butch
January 16, 2018
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11
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