Dale A. Tilly

Dale A. Tilly, 66, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, July 13, 2018, at Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids with his family by his side. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Susan Tilly to help with final expenses. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Dale was born on May 21, 1952, to Arthur and Evelyn (Rusch) Tilly in Niles. He graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1970. On September 26, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Stanger in St. Joseph. Dale was a second-generation owner of Brookside Nursery and Landscaping which was founded in 1958. He was on the Royalton Township Fire Department for over 30 years. He was the Chief for several years and most recently served on the Fire Township Board. Dale was an avid outdoorsman, including camping, hunting, fishing and mushroom hunting. Most of all, Dale cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. Dale is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan; children, Todd Tilly and Traci (Michael) Laskowski; grandchildren, T.J. Tilly, Addison Laskowski and brothers, Douglas Tilly and Steve (Kellie) Tilly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Evelyn Tilly.