Dale A. Schildgen

Dale Albert Schildgen Sr., 78, of Hot Springs, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2017.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Margaret “Joyce” Schildgen; daughter, Pam (Lance) Cole; and two sons, Dale Jr. (Bobbi) Schildgen and Michael Schildgen. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Paul Schildgen.

Grandchildren: Kyle (Jessica) Schildgen, Becky (Zeke) Stone, Lauren (Loran) Shipley, Mitchell Goodeaux, Brandon Cole and Jordan Cole.

Great-grandchildren: Natalie Sharp, Ivy and Olivia Cole, and one Schildgen baby on the way.

Preceded in death by a sister, Betty Prewisch and brother, Don Schildgen. Survived by sister, Joan Prewisch; brother, Ken (Sandy) Schildgen; Gordan and Katie Schildgen; sister, Joyce (Brian) Willis, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dale was born to Albert and Catherine Schildgen in Melrose Park, Ill., on June 6, 1939. He served in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Hot Springs in 1960, where he met the love of his life, Joyce, and raised his family. He was a cook and started a family owned business for many years.

In 1983, Dale was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He served as an elder in the congregation and also was in the full-time volunteer ministry.

Dale was a lover of life and his family. He brought a smile, joy and laughter to all who knew him.

He enjoyed meeting people in the ministry, hunting with friends and tending to his garden.

Dale especially enjoyed serving as a volunteer for building Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the state and surrounding areas. He will be truly missed.

Services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2018 E. Grand Ave.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce and family have requested that donations be sent to help disaster relief at http://jw.org.