Dale R. Witlock

Dale “Butch” Witlock, 67, of Chicago Heights, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018 with his wife at his side. A pilot and aviation enthusiast, Butch flew away leaving a long list of accomplishments and life interests and a legacy of laughter and good times.
He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Otto Witlock (2011), and mother Martha Taylor Witlock Sullivan (2012). Dale is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marikay Peter Witlock, his sister Syndi Wittman (Rick) Skinner, brother Bruce K. (Jana) Witlock, Aunts Faye (George) Murdaugh and Carolyn (Harry) Seyfert, Step-Mother Janet Swadener Witlock, 6 step-brothers and sisters, 11 nephews, 3 nieces, 19 great nephews and nieces, the unrelated nephews, his buddy dog Igor, and loving cousins and friends.
Butch graduated Bloom High School class of 1969, earned a BA from Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL, MS and PhD in Animal Pathophysiology from Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA., and an ASN from Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, IL.
Dale was a research scientist, USDA, Animal Parasitology Institute, Beltsville, MD and the UIC Eye Center, University of Illinois, Chicago IL. He taught Comparative and Human Physiology to Nursing Students at Trinity College, Washington, DC.
He was production and general manager for woodworking and custom cabinet companies Remington Woodworking, Saco Industries, and Woodmac Industries. As a Registered Nurse, Dale worked at St. James Hospital, Chicago Heights, Metro South Medical Center (St. Francis) in Blue Island, and Vitas Hospice Care, Tinley Park, IL.
Dale authored 34 scientific research papers and recently completed a memoir of living through cancer. He loved to build gadgets and inventions from a doggie sidecar for his bicycle to ping pong launchers to butane pop-guns. An accomplished cook, Dale loved to design and create a beautiful meal, experimenting with all types of foods from vegan dishes to game pies, to extravagant desserts. “Uncle Butch” was the family member that always got the kids in trouble and frustrated most of the adults…but all in good fun. He loved opera, 40’s swing, 60’s rock and roll, Shakespeare, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who, antiques, and all things science, sharing it all with family and friends. .
Butch built and flew 2 7/8th scale WWI replica aircraft, and was a living history reenactor of WWI Aviation. He was a speaker and mentor to WWI replica aircraft builders and enthusiats at Oshkosh, WI and online.
A Celebration of Dale “Butch” Witlock’s life will be held Sunday, October 21, 2018, from 2-6pm at the Chicago Heights Country Club (Park District West Course), 1112 Scott Ave., Chicago Heights, IL. All are welcome.
Memorials may be directed to The Great War Aeroplanes Association, Kansas City, KS; Union Street Gallery, Chicago Heights, IL; or Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL.