Dale L. Habbley, 79

Dale L. Habbley of Woodstock entered eternal rest on May 14, 2026, at the age of 79.

Dale was born on Dec. 21, 1946, in Elgin, the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Kessler) Habbley. He graduated from Larkin High School in 1965 and went on to attend Southern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1970. A week after graduating from college, Dale married the love of his life, Suanne Anderson, on June 20, 1970, at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock.

He embraced his new role as a devoted husband and delighted in becoming a father. Dale was a proud family man and cherished time spent together. He was overjoyed when he became a grandfather. His grandsons truly were the light of his life. 

Dale spent his career as an electrical engineer and was proud of his work with the development of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird while working at Northrop in Rolling Meadows, Ill. After leaving Northrop, Dale worked for GE Aerospace in Rockford. While there, his work earned him two patents, of which he was very proud. He retired in 2011.

Dale developed a lifelong passion for aircraft and the aviation industry from his father’s personal experience as a B-24 pilot during WWII. Dale was a WWII history enthusiast and enjoyed learning about the time period. He was good humored, quick-witted, and appreciated the simple things in life. 

Dale was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church. He volunteered much of his time to various committees and was an usher for many years. He also enjoyed playing basketball and softball with the church leagues. His steadfast faith helped guide him throughout his life while facing numerous health challenges. 

Lovingly missed, Dale is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Suanne; his children Andrew Habbley of Woodstock and Amy (Michael) Kuehl of Arlington Heights; his grandsons Andrew and Jack Kuehl; his twin brother, Dennis (Diane) Habbley of Woodridge, Ill.; his brother, Jay (Lisa) Habbley of Mocksville, N.C.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was reunited in death with his infant son, Scott; his parents; his sister, Janice Habbley; and his nephew, Dennis Habbley.  

A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service with Rev. Darrell Kyle officiating on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory, 1745 S. Eastwood Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098. Inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, Dale’s family encourages you to honor his memory by planting a tree, volunteering your time, or donating to a charity of your choice. 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at saundersfhc.com For more information, call Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory at 815-420-3030.