Dale G. Tuula

Rockford- Dale Garth Tuula, 76, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born December 10, 1932 in Republic, MI, son of Arthur and Hilda (Jarvi) Tuula. Veteran of the United States Army Signal Corps serving during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1954. Married his loving wife Joan Cecile Simpson on October 6, 1956 in Phelps, WI. Moved to Rockford in 1960 and worked for Rockwell Graphics as a machinist for 24 years. Dale was a former Cub Scout Institutional Rep and Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 380, Scouters Key Recipient. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, a volunteer in the Ken-Rock soup kitchen and received a Ken-Rock Volunteer award in 2005, 06, 07 and ?08. He and Joan enjoyed many summers in their former summer home in Republic, MI. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Joan C. Tuula of Rockford; children, Donna Rose (Brian) Alton of Loves Park, David Garth (Anita) Tuula of Cherry Valley and Duane Allen Tuula of Rockford; grandchildren, Jennifer (Andrew) Lapp, Kristin Alton, Ryan Alton, Lance (Gina) Tuula and Ben Tuula; great grandchildren, Destiny Rose Lapp, Alexander Dean Lapp, Drew Daniel Lapp and Emerson David Tuula; sister, Donna Tuula Freeman of Marquette, MI; many nieces and nephews; many friends in the Old Time and Accordion Music world and his best friend and companion Skipper. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas Arthur Tuula.

Memorial Service Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4620 20 th St. at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: ASPCA, Ken-Rock Community Center or Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com