"As a cousin a few years younger that Dale and my other Koontz cousins always looked up to the big kids. My most vivid memory were of the summer i spent at uncle Russels farm between 8th grade and highschool. I nailed shingles on the house, bailed hay, and brook concrete with Dale. Also remember attending his 12" fast pitch ball games. Dale was very indutrious and a positive influence. Hard to imagine he's passed. My thoughs and prayers are with you."
In loving memory of
Dale R. Koontz
July 27, 1941 - August 6, 2019
Dale R. Koontz, age 78, of Quincy, died Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at 9:24 am in Blessing Hospital.
Dale was born July 27, 1941 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Russell and Esther Marshall Koontz. Dale was raised on a farm outside of Columbus, IL and graduated from Central High School in 1959. He married Donna C. Lease on September 29, 1962.
After working for different local contractors as a carpenter, on March 1, 1973 Dale started his own building company, Dale Koontz - Builder, Inc. Donna was his partner and Dale hired his first employee, Dave Tieman, to start on that first day of business. Dale was so proud that Dave still works for Dale Koontz Builder 46 years later. Dale was grateful that many members of his crew enjoyed long tenure with the company - including Dave's brother - Paul Tieman, who has been with the company since 1976.
In 1996, Dale's son Tim joined him in the family business; 3 years later his son Scott also became part of the construction company. Dale and Donna were so happy to see both sons working together in the building business - and Dale would frequently comment to friends how proud he was of his sons and their work in growing the business. He was also very proud to see his grandson Matthew be the 3rd generation in the family business.
Dale was well known in the Quincy area as an honest business man with a reputation for quality projects and treating people fairly. Dale served his community in many different capacities: he was involved at the Lutheran Church of St. John in a number of leadership positions over the years; he was a past President of the Home Builders Association of Quincy and served with the Illinois State Home Builders Association; Dale served on the City of Quincy's Plan Commission and supported the Spring Lake Country Club. He was also on the QHS Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament Committee for a number of years.
The city of Quincy has been enhanced by many different residential developments that Dale was part of including the Pointe South Apartments, Woodbridge subdivision, West Wilmar Drive, Knollwood, Gardendale, Wildhorse, Cambridge, Tuscany Fields and apartments at Forestdale, 2701 Harrison, Hickory Pointe, and Northfield.
Dale was an avid golfer, who recently won the Spring Lake Country Club senior division and was the proud owner of multiple holes-in-one. He has many friends at Spring Lake and at the Estero Country Club in Florida who will miss rounds of golf with Dale. He was also a huge supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, QHS Blue Devils and Fighting Illini athletics.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Dale is survived by two sons, Scott (Tina) Koontz, and Tim (Wendy) Koontz, both of Quincy; four grandchildren, Katelyn (Taylor) Hockman, Matthew Koontz, both of Quincy, Megan (Jack) O'Connor, of Wheaton, IL, and Madelyn Koontz, of Quincy; three great grandchildren, Ella, Sadie, and Parker Hockman; his mother-in-law, Pauline Allen of Quincy; a brother, James (Norma) Koontz of Champaign, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Dorothy Lubbert, and a brother, Robert Koontz.
Services: 10:00 am Monday, August 12, 2019 at Lutheran Church of St. John, with Rev. Steve Hayden officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Sunday August 11, 2019 at Lutheran Church of St. John
Memorials: Lutheran Church of St. John or Quincy Public Schools Foundation for the Dale and Donna Koontz Circle (for the building trades)
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I remember the summer 1959 when my mother sent me to uncle Russels farm to become a man before i went to highschool. My Koontz cousins were real cool. I rememer Dale as a big time 12" base ball player. Also a hard driving hay bailer. He was supper industrious."
"Donna & family. We were so sorry to learn of Dale's passing. What a wonderful friend he was. He was always a pleasure to be around. We will miss him. "
"Donna and the Koontz family. We have known and worked for/with Dale and his crew for many years. No one could be a better person to work with, his attitude toward his work and whom he dealt with was top notch. "
"Dear Donna & Koontz Family, Thinking of you and remembering Dale when we used to call him "Shorty". As ever, Dick & Pat Wentura"
"Donna and your family, Sandy and I are so sorry for your loss. Dale was a great guy to be around, great competitor and I will miss my partner! Sincerely Sal & Sandy Passalacqua."
"Donna, Ralph and I sorrow with you. Dale was a special man who will be missed by many including us. We will be remembering you and your loved ones in prayer as you approach Monday's service and in the weeks and months ahead. May you find peace and comfort from the many promises found in God's Word for those who have chosen Christ as their Savior. Heaven is a wonderful place. We await reunions with so many. Sincerely, Ralph and Linda Wendel"
"Brenda and I send our heartfelt prayers to Donna and her precious family. Although we are saddened by this news, we know that Dale is now with the Lord in heaven. Well done my good and faithful servant....!"
"We are so saddened to hear of Dale's passing. Our thoughts are with your family. Stefan and Jackie Schletter, Estero, FL"
"So sorry to hear of Dale?s passing. We just saw him at our 60th class reunion. Carlton and Judy Hibbert "
"The Koontz Family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dale was the consummate professional always seeing the good in others. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was especially proud of his entire family and what he, his wife, family members and team members accomplished as a builder and businessman. I will always remember Dale as the first builder to welcome me, a fellow builder, into the Quincy housing market. Dale Koontz leaves an incredible legacy and will long be remembered. Joe Churchill "
"We grew up together around Columbus and went to the same church ,along with attending Central high School of Camp Point , Our Dads loved to coon hunt and myself and Dale walked a many of miles hunting with our dads, definitely a life long friend we just celebrated our 60th class reunion a few weeks ago, May you Rest in Peace Retired Adams county Sheriff Robert Nall "
"The Koontz family -- Wow what a legacy Dale left, but that pales in comparison to the glory he was welcomed with in heaven. May God give you all peace, strength, joy and comfort! Mark & Sue Sorensen"
"So sorry to hear your loss. I remember when we were neighbors and the kids played in the back yard. Now those kids are sending their kids to college. Time has a way of healing but never forgetting all the memories."
"Heartfelt thoughts sent to you Donna and the family - your Estero Country Club family will miss him!"
"Among my most treasured memories, being with my cousin Dale as teens. Incredibly sad and shocked to learn of his passing, I send my love and thoughts to all the family today."
"So incredibly shocked right now. What a quality individual. I?m so sorry for your loss. Koontz?s, you have a bunch of friends to support you through this. "