Dale Blanco

Age 62 of Morris, Illinois, formerly of Peru, Illinois, died peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at his home.

Born September 22, 1961 in Spring Valley, Illinois, Dale Joseph was a son of Benny and Theresa (Poremba) Blanco. He was raised in Peru, attended Peru Catholic Grade School, and graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School with the Class of 1980. Dale was a factory worker for many years and retired from Hart Carter Corporation in Mendota, Illinois. He was a past member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Peru, and was currently a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris. Faith was a constant in Dale's life and he was truly active within the church since he was a young boy. He was also a former member of the Peoria Riverman Booster Club and was a lifelong sports fan. Dale golfed in high school and was a devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox and diehard supporter of the University of Michigan football program, GO BLUE!

He married his wife, Joann (Roche) Feldges Blanco on April 10, 2021 in Orland Park, Illinois, and was grateful to have the wedding blessed at Immaculate Conception Church. Dale was a kind and loving man who was always up for a laugh. He was an avid music fan and concert goer, with the bands Chicago and The Eagles being two of his favorites. Dale never passed up an opportunity to have some good food and a craft beer, and will be remembered for all of the joy and love he shared with the people who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Joann, of Morris; his step-daughters: Beth and Megan Feldges, both of Morris; his brother and sister: Gary (Paula) Blanco and Gina (Fred) Steele, both of Peru; brothers and sisters-in-law: Michael (Linda) Roche of Aurora, Illinois and Jeanne (Christopher) Hamaker of Lockport, Illinois; several cousins, including Carolyn (Chris) Adams of Dexter, Michigan, numerous nieces and nephews, his best friend, Scott Wilke of Peru, and his special canine companion, Buddy.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Greg Blanco, and his beloved dog, Mya.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47), in Morris on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, June 10, 2024 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street, in Morris at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Jason Stone and assisted by Deacon Paul Jung.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and burial will be at a later date in Peru.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dale's memory to the American Kidney Fund.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Dale's memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris (815) 942-2500.