Dale E. Port

Dale E. Port, age 76, of Lanark, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025, at Allure Nursing Center in Mt. Carroll, following a courageous three-year battle with myelodysplasia and multiple myeloma.

Dale was born December 30, 1948, in Morrison, Illinois, the son of Richard and Nellie (Engelkens) Port. He grew up in the Lanark area and was a 1968 graduate of Lanark High School. On September 21, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Rita Glenn, at the Lanark Church of the Brethren. Together they raised two children, Tamara and Darrick, and shared 57 years of marriage built on love, loyalty, and hard work.

Dale spent his life as a dependable and skilled worker. He began his career at Freeport Vault, later drove a cement truck for Rogers Ready Mix in Lanark, worked as a pipefitter at the Byron Nuclear Plant, and eventually became a plumber in Lanark, a trade he continued until his retirement. He was proud of honest work and never afraid to get his hands dirty.

After retiring, Dale found joy in helping the Erbsen family with fieldwork, forming a bond he often described as being “like family.” Nothing, however, brought him more happiness than time spent with his grandchildren. He loved attending their activities and being present in their lives in every way he could.

Dale was an easygoing, steady man who taught his family the value of strength, commitment, and love. He believed in showing up, lending a hand, and passing along practical knowledge—especially how to fix things and take on projects without fear. In his younger years, he enjoyed many late nights coon hunting with friends and his kids. He remained an avid fan of college basketball, football, and NFL games throughout his life.

He also proudly served his community as a member of the Lanark Volunteer Fire Department from 1983 to 1994.

Above all else, Dale cherished his family. Time spent together was his greatest joy, and his quiet guidance and unwavering support will be deeply missed.

Dale is survived by his wife, Rita Port; his daughter, Tamara (Brent) Fitzgerald of Eubank, Kentucky; his son, Darrick (Christie) Port of Lanark; three grandchildren, Megan (Dakota) Miller, Emma Port, and Averie Port; and one great-grandson, Tucker Andrew Jakobs. He is also survived by three brothers, Duane Port of Lanark, Roger Port of Lanark, and Russ (Kat) Port of Polo; and his sister, JoAnne Muetz-Hoffman of Roscoe.

He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Jane Ann Port; his sister, Norma (Raymond) Nalley; two sisters-in-law, Connie Port and Carol Port; a brother-in-law, Al Muetz; his parents; and his parents-in-law, Ralph and Margaret Glenn.

A public visitation will be held 4 to 7 PM Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Law-Jones funeral home in Lanark. A private service and burial in the Lanark Cemetery will take place the following day.