Dale Kiesow

Dale Allen Kiesow, 69, died Monday, July 15, 2024, in Sublette, Illinois at Woodhaven Lakes. He was born in Peoria, IL on June 16, 1955 to Gerald “Jerry” and Velma Geraldine “Jerry” (Nieukirk) Kiesow. He was baptized April 7, 2019 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His mother and father, three brothers, John, James, and Matthew, and a nephew predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Janice, his daughter Jessie (Dustin) Meek, his son Daniel (Johanna) Kiesow, a sister Michelle (Mike) Aldrich, two brothers David (Tommra) Kiesow and Vincent (Cindy) Kiesow, and grandson Nicholas (Hallie) Thomas. He is also survived by beloved cousins, nephews and a niece, great-nephews and great-nieces, and numerous furry grandchildren.

After he and Janice started their family in the early 80’s in Joliet, IL, they moved to Cobb County Georgia where they lived for about 30 years. He retired as a computer programmer analyst in 2017 from the Georgia Department of Labor and he and Janice relocated to central Illinois, where both of their children had married and settled down.

Dale was most of all a happy person. He loved life and all the joys it offered, and for decades he worked hard – two, sometimes three jobs, not so that he alone could enjoy the things he loved, but so that he could share them with his family and friends. More than Dale loved a good meal, he really loved a good bargain. When Dale said he “paid a fortune” for something, it was usually a dollar spent at one of the many auctions and flea markets that he loved to frequent. But even more than he loved either of those things, he loved his family and shared as much as he could with them. He frequently took his family camping and even owned a lot at Woodhaven Lakes camping resort. He had family gatherings at Woodhaven as often he could, inventing fun games for all to play and hopefully win the prized “Kiesow Cup” trophy. He also loved the earth, animals, children, watching and feeding the deer at Woodhaven, giving gifts, and motorcycle races. Dale, like his father, loved talking to everyone. He shared stories about flat track racing and playing in the creek at the Peoria motorcycle races as a child. He was at Woodhaven when he passed away, still loving life and retirement despite health issues. He lived a happy and full life.

The memorial service for Dale will be held August 3rd, 1 pm, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 876 W Pershing Rd, Decatur, IL 62526.

Service will also be held on zoom for those unable to attend in person. For a link to the zoom service please contact the family.