Dale Heinkel

Dale Heinkel of Phoenix, Arizona died on Friday October 18, 2024 at the age of 68 years. Dale was born on March 27, 1956 in Freeport, Illinois. He is a proud alum of the University of Illinois and a lifelong member of Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity. Dale farmed in Winslow, Illinois and then supported farmers in Illinois and Wisconsin over decades at Farm Business Farm Management and a short stint as an agricultural lender at local banks. A lifelong Lutheran, Dale spread the Word in life, and passed away knowing that he would be with Jesus in Heaven.

He enjoyed playing cards, building strong relationships with friends, family, and clients alike, riding his motorcycle, and volunteering in his church and community. He loved fun facts and dad jokes, with a special affinity for Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, John Deere tractors, cemeteries, state capitol buildings, and small talk with strangers in towns across America. He was an incredible friend and family member, with several god-children, weekly updates to his international readership on his goings-on, and endless visits with loved ones, often arriving with little notice on his motorcycle.

Dale is survived by his wife Linda (nee Hall) and her children Shanin (Brian Thompson) and Joe; his son Luke, three grandchildren (Drew, Mia, and Bryce), sisters Veann (Greg Klipstein), Kay (Steve Hauser), brother Lyle, eight nieces and nephews, and seven grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Verena (nee Wyss) and his brother Richard. A funeral will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena, Illinois, on November 16th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Foothills Food Bank (Cave Creek, AZ), Results for Development (Washington, DC), Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix, AZ).