Dale Francis Fancher

Dale Francis Fancher Sr., 90, of Edwardsburg, Michigan passed away surrounded by love on October 17, 2017.
Dale was born on March 25, 1927 to John and Sarah (Lake) Fancher in Gilman, Illinois. He grew up in a loving home with his parents; brothers, Bill and Charlie; sisters, Mary, Ellen and Joyce; his nephew, Jackie Ray; and niece, Sarah (Janie) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters; brothers; his precious daughter, Susan Fancher; and grandson, John Paul Forys.
On April 12, 1947, Dale married Dorothy Helen Logue, in Rantoul, IL. Dale and Helen were married for over 70 years and she was the light of his life. Surviving are his loving wife Helen; daughter, Dorothy (Joe) Forys; son, Dale (Kathie) Fancher Jr; grandchildren, Joe Forys Jr, Dan Forys, Susan (Chris) Lackey, Dori (Jim) Gosz, Dale (Kate) Fancher III, Denis Forys, Julie Fancher, Jimmy Forys, Ryan (Candace) McGuffey, Kevin (Rachel) McGuffey, and Aaron (Sarah) McGuffey; and 18 great-grandchildren who brought him so much joy and love.
As a soldier in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II, Dale helped to liberate the concentration camps in Germany. After his military service, Dale began working for the Illinois Central Railroad, where he met and fell in love with his wife Helen. Dale spent 40 years working at the railroad. After retiring, Dale and Helen moved to Edwardsburg, Michigan, where they have lived for over 30 years.
Nothing meant more to Dale than his wife and family and he was so incredibly proud of all of them. Dale loved to spend time with his great-grand children and always made sure he had candy to give them. He loved his many friends and neighbors who were so important to him. He enjoyed fishing, tending to his yard and garden, and watching old westerns, but he found immense joy in painting the last years of his life. He loved to share his art with everyone he met. He always carried some of his smaller painted animals and angels with him to hand out just to brighten people's day.
Dale was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Edwardsburg. He had a very strong faith and loved to pray the rosary. He was such a big presence in the lives of those who loved him and his legacy of love for his family will live on in those that he loved so dearly.
Visitation will be Today, October 19 from 5-9pm (Eastern Time) at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 IN-23, Granger, IN 46530, enter off Cherry Rd. Funeral services will be Friday, October 20 at 9am (EST) at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Edwardsburg, MI. Burial will be Saturday, October 21 in Mattoon, IL.To send condolences to the family, or for directions, please visit: www.McGannHay.com