BARGERSVILLE - Dale Johnson, 81, beloved husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, September 11, 2025. A remarkable man with a truly big heart, Dale's spirit of friendship resonated with all who were fortunate to cross his path. He was born August 20, 1944 in Champaign, IL, the son of George W. Johnson and Esther (Ehmen) Johnson of Gifford, IL.

Dale was raised in Gifford, IL a farming community Northeast of Champaign where he attended Penfield Grade School and graduated from Armstrong High School, Class of 1962. Many lifelong friendships were formed, and he enjoyed getting together to catch up. He helped coordinate several class reunions throughout the years to keep everyone connected. Some part time jobs he had were at Hicks Gas, Johnson Hardware, and as a Deputy Sheriff for Champaign County. Following his graduation from Illinois Commercial College with a degree in Business he proudly served his country in the United States Navy beginning in 1964. He attended basic training in San Diego and Radarman "A" School at Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. He was then assigned to the USS Berkeley (DDG-15) working in the Combat Information Center, advancing to the rate of Radarman 2/c. Dale's tour of duty on board the USS Berkeley included three deployments to the Western Pacific including serving during the Vietnam War. He also attended numerous training courses relating to Anti-Submarine Warfare, Air Intercept Control and Electronic Counter Measures. Dale completed his last WestPac deployment in December 1968 and was discharged shortly after.

Following his discharge he returned to his roots in Gifford, IL. There he returned to school earning an Electronics degree from Parkland College in Champaign, IL. and began working for the Record Club Division of Capital Records. He didn't know it at the time, but his employment with Capitol would be the start of a 25 year career in the record business.

Also following his discharge he reacquainted with Charlene. He knew almost immediately that this was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Charlene and Dale grew up together, living about two miles apart and attended grades one through twelve together as well as college. They had never dated until after his time in the Navy when they ran into each other at a high school basketball game where both were there to watch a sibling at the hometown event. One year later they married, and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage this past March. Together Dale, Charlene, and their growing family of two children lived in California, New Jersey, and Indiana while Dale worked for Capitol Records and then PolyGram Records. He began as a warehouse manager and worked his way up to Vice President of Distribution overseeing all U.S. warehouses for PolyGram Records. He was known to lead with honesty, fairness, and humor, priding himself on hiring incredible people that possessed strengths greater than his.

Upon retiring from the music industry Dale began his second career as a business owner opening Grand Rental Station in 1992. With rental stores in Greenwood, IN and Franklin, IN, he served and touched the lives of many in the community. Many business associates and clients became dear friends.

Traveling was a hobby Dale and Charlene enjoyed. While most trips were in their travel trailer or motorhome, some of their favorite trips were to Australia and Fiji, a camping trip that went the entire length of Route 66, and wintering in FL. Always a farmer at heart, he was happy to jump in and help his brother, Roy Johnson, on the family farm. He loved being in the fields harvesting corn and beans whenever he could. In 2015 he retired from the rental industry and was able to enjoy many more adventures traveling the country with Charlene in their motorhome.

After the internet became popular, Dale was able to reconnect with many of his Navy buddies and found the USS Berkeley Association. They picked up as if no time had passed. He felt incredibly blessed for these friendships and became a board member and later the Director of the USS Berkeley Association. He was proud to see one of his granddaughters join the military (Air Force) as well as two of his granddaughters' husbands (Air Force & Army).

As a devoted follower of Christ, Dale loved everyone. No matter where Dale went he treated everyone like he had known them forever. He loved making homemade ice cream to share, telling stories, and was willing to offer a helping hand to whoever needed it. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Gifford, IL was his church home growing up. It was important to him to be a part of a church community as he settled in with each move to a different state.

Above all, Dale cherished his family. The grandchildren were frequently seen at Grandpa and Grandma's house playing games, swimming, and having sleepovers. Being a husband, parent, grandparent, and great grandparent were his greatest joys. "God has blessed us all," he said.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene (Cole) Johnson; two children, Derek Johnson and his wife Jill (Smith) Johnson, and Renee (Johnson) Skipper and her husband Kevin Skipper; four grandchildren, McKenzie (Skipper) Stewart and her husband, Zachariah Stewart; Paige (Skipper) Curry and her husband Tanner Curry; Cole Johnson, and Tyler Johnson; along with one great granddaughter, Dallas Stewart; two brothers, Roy Johnson and his wife Barb (King) Johnson, and Doug Johnson; sister-in-law, Mary Lou (Cole) Hollocker; as well as ten nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, September 18 from 4:00-8:00 pm (EST) at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel located at 481 W. Main Street, Greenwood, IN. 46142. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 20 at 1:00 pm (CST) at St. Paul Lutheran Church located at 108 E. Church Street, Gifford, Illinois 61812 with visitation at the church from 11:00 am (CST) until the time of service. Mr. Johnson will be laid to rest at Partlow Cemetery in Armstrong, Illinois following the service. Arrangements in Greenwood Indiana provided by Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, and in Illinois by Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation on line at t2t.org, or by mail at 2361 Hyland Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306. Envelopes will be available at both funeral homes.