ROCHELLE — Jesse Dale Macklin, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Liberty Village in Rochelle.  He was born on April 12, 1927 in Steward, IL, the son of Jesse James and Mary (Bently) Macklin.  Dale married Wanda Myroth on October 15, 1955. Dale proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.  He started Macklin Brothers Inc. with his brother, Robert in 1953.  He loved running his bulldozer.  Dale enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, ginger brandy, spending time outdoors, and lived in Northern Wisconsin for many years.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and truly had a long and blessed life with many faithful pets along the way.  Dale was a member of the Shriners and a 32nd degree Mason.   He is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Paul J. Macklin.

Survived by his wife, Wanda Macklin of Steward, two sons: Greg (Sara) Macklin, and Jim (Chris) Macklin, special daughter, Rebecca (Clay) Fraley; six grandchildren: Nick Sudbury, Tamra (Shannon DeWitt) Sanders, Matt (Jaclyn) Macklin, Kyle (Markee) Macklin, Nicole (Cory) Myers, Jason (Justine) Macklin; ten great-grandchildren: Joleigh, Jasper, Porter, Veronica, Wilder, Brixlee, Jesse Dale, Isla, Wrenlee and Bridger; his brother, Robert (Patricia) Macklin, and four nieces and nephews.

Private family funeral will be held at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle with Judy Williams officiating.  Burial with military honors by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and active Navy will be held at Steward Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, Steward United Methodist Church or you may plant a tree. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.