Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Revelation14:13

Dale Klaus Svela, 100, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at his home in Steward, Illinois. Dale was born on May 18, 1925 in Rochelle, IL to Klaus and Emma (nee Conrad) Svela. Dale and Emma Lucille (nee Parsley) were married on June 2, 1945 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle, IL.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Lucille on October 12, 2012, adolescent brother, Melvin, brother, Clarence, and sister-in-law, Nina (nee Sandell) Svela.

Dale is survived by his children: Dennis and Rosemary (nee Meidlein) Svela, of Lilburn, GA; Janice Svela, of Naperville, IL; Dean and Deann (nee Wiltfang) Svela Steward, IL;

eight loving grandchildren: Jerome (Dana) Tomas, Phillip (Angela) Tomas, Janeen (Ryan Bannack) Tomas, Jennifer Svela, Katie Svela (Thomas) Crews, Matthew (Andrea) Svela, Chelsey (Austin) Stolte, Micah (Kristi) Svela; 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Dale was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle, IL, remaining active as an elder and assisted in instituting Holy Communion. They remained on the Svela family farm in Steward for most of his life before moving to Steward. Dale was active on the farm, involved in many local agriculture programs, Rochelle Food Pantry, and with the Village of Steward. What Dale valued most in his life was God, family, friends, and animals.

The visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, April 21 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Avenue, Rochelle with Pastor Michael Gudgel officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Memory Gardens following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Serenity Hospice & Home, or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.