Mr. Dale K. Sopher peacefully passed on June 17, 2023, at Courtyard Estates of Knoxville in Illinois. Born on August 21, 1939, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Roy S. and Ruth (Heffernan) Sopher, Dale was raised in Victoria and was a proud graduate of R.O.V.A. High School, Class of 1957.
On June 11, 1958, Dale married his high school sweetheart, Estelle Bjorling, in Toulon, Illinois, and together they built a life full of love and family, joyfully celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary last weekend. Dale is survived by Estelle, his loving wife; a daughter, Debbie (Joe) Boyke of Harrisburg, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Lisa (Rod) Hirst of Peoria, Illinois; six grandchildren, Jaime (Adam) Dougherty, Zac (Megan) Sopher, Allison (Nathan) Knight, Dana (Jess) Miller, Derek Boyke, and Drake Boyke; seven great-grandsons; and a sister, Jane (Ed) Yelm of Williamsfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Douglas D. Sopher, on July 27, 2010.
Dale was a carpenter by trade and founded Sopher Construction in 1972. Later, his son Doug joined the family business, and together they formed D & D Sopher Construction. Dale was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona and a lifetime member of the Little John Conservation Club. He enjoyed spending time in nature, especially birdwatching and feeding wildlife at the home he and Estelle built and lived in for 52 years. Above all, he cherished time with his family, attending all his grandchildren’s school and social events, and spending time with his seven great-grandsons.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Galesburg. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the chapel, with Rev. Tim Anderson officiating. Dale will be laid to rest at Victoria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making memorial contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Altona, Hospice Compassus, or Out of the Darkness. Please visit www.h-p-w.com to leave your online condolences for the family.
