John George Dale

John George Dale, 86, of Topeka, died October 19, 2015 at Lexington Park. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on June 20, 1929 the son of Charles Henry and Catherine Ellen (Birmingham) Dale. He was a 1947 graduate of Hayden High School. John retired in 1987 as the Assistant Manager of Locomotive Research with the Santa Fe Railway Company. John served as the Organist at Assumption Church for 70 years beginning at the age of 14. He enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states as well as Germany, Rome, Switzerland, France and England. He had a passion for riding roller coasters. John was a member of Assumption Church where he was a volunteer at both the church and the school. He served as choir director for several choirs over the years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #534. In 2009 he was recognized for his volunteer work in the church and in music by receiving the Sertoma's Service to Mankind Award. He is survived by a sister, Charlotte Konrade Noland of Topeka and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Charles E. Dale and five sisters, Mary Patzell, Rose Bevitt, Ellen Foster, Frances Esfeld, and Catherine Sommers. John will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Mater Dei Assumption Church or Mater Dei School and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.