Dale worked for the United States Postal Service for over 35 years. He continued working as a housing manager for Cecil Management for two years and the Lewis and Clark Library system until his final retirement in 2007.
Dale was a loving father and loved serving in his community. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Swansea Fire Department from 1971 – 1985 and the Smithton Fire Department from 1986 –1997. In 1961, he received the Superior Accomplishment Award given by the Postal Service for the swift action taken while he was on duty that saved the life of a boy that had gotten onto a set of train tracks. Dale helped build the Smithton Library and was founding President from 1988 – 1998. He also received the Smithton Man of the Year award in 1993. He was a member of the Lions Club for more than 23 years where he served as past president several times and held many other offices during his time. In 2018, he earned the Prestigious Foundation Fellowship Award from the Lions Club for his ongoing assistance and dedication to helping those in need. He was a committee member, Troop Leader and received various awards as a volunteer for 27 years for the Boy Scouts of America. He served on the Belleville Labor Council and was nominated for Labor person of the year. He also coached little league for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto J. and Melinda, nee Jung, Blaes; his brothers, Fr. Don Blaes, Robert Blaes, and Russell Blaes; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Blaes; and a grandson, Brad Blaes.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, nee Armstrong, Blaes, whom he married November 19, 2005; a sister, Carol Blue; four children, Roger (Theresa) Blaes, Larry (Lisa) Blaes, Lisa (Brad) Glaeser, and Steven (Shannon) Blaes; five grandchildren, Hunter Blaes, Kyle Blaes, Kurtis Blaes, Brittany Blaes, and Morgan Blaes; five great-grandchildren, Aidyn Kiernan, Ellerie Blaes, Charlie McMillin, Eric McMillin, and Elizabeth McMillin; nine stepchildren, Amber (Terry) McCarthy, Shane (Melinda) Tolley, Heather (Craig) Tolley-Bauer, Tristan Tolley, Tyler Wilson, Jennifer (Tim) McMillin, Calvin (Carolina) Ratliff, Brea Brunk, and Danielle (Josh) Arthur; three step grandchildren, Reid Bauer, Taylinn Ratliff, and Kinley Brunk; eleven nieces and nephews, Greg Blaes, Robert Blaes, Richard Blaes, Debbie Nixon, Dorothy Blue, Sharon Voss, Robert Dwayne Blue, Julia Lee, Chris Blue, and Paul Blue; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Smithton Lions Club. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2023, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Kenneth York officiating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.