Edward “Dale” Tornquist, 100 of New Windsor, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Mercer Manor Rehabilitation Center in Aledo, surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, November 7, at Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to time of service at the church. Burial will be in Hopewell Cemetery, rural New Windsor. Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or Hopewell Cemetery. Peterson-Wallin-Knox Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dale was born July 16, 1926, in New Windsor, to William and Sadie (Johnson) Tornquist. He attended Oak Ridge, a one-room schoolhouse in rural New Windsor, beginning his education before the age of five so he could accompany his older brother, Robert, to-and-from school.
Dale served in the United States Army from 1950 – 1952 during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he worked as a cook. He married Shirley Lou Milner on August 17, 1952, at Norwood Presbyterian Church in Norwood, Illinois. Together, they shared nearly 62 years of marriage, building a life centered on farming and family. Shirley preceded him in death on May 26, 2014.
Dale was a lifelong farmer in the rural New Windsor area. Born into a farming family, he spent his life working the land, raising corn and soybeans throughout his farming career, along with livestock in his earlier years. He remained involved in the family farming operations well into his later years and lived independently in the farmhouse he shared with Shirley until the age of 95.
Dale was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in New Windsor and the Moline Vikings Club. He was a true social butterfly who never knew a stranger. With his ever-present smile and friendly personality, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and made friends wherever he went. He and Shirley enjoyed many years of dancing together, particularly ballroom dancing, which became a favorite social outing. Dale also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, where he was just as likely to be visiting with friends and neighbors as watching the game. Whether enjoying a good bag of popcorn or spending time with family and friends, Dale found joy in life’s simple pleasures.
In July 2026, Dale celebrated his 100th birthday, marking the milestone with visits from family and loved ones throughout the weeks surrounding his birthday.
He is survived by his son, Ronald (Becky) Tornquist of New Windsor; daughter, Roberta (Sid) Carlson of Rio, Illinois; four grandchildren, Rhonda (Troy) Copeland, Karen Tornquist, Lisa (Ryan) Weber, and Lara (PJ) Ritters; three great-grandchildren, Lauren and Jenna Copeland and Edward Carl Ritters; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, William and Sadie Tornquist; his brother, Robert Tornquist; and his sisters, Margaret Ann Peterson and Sarah Hill.