Dale Joseph Deffner, age 93, of Brookville, was born on December 10, 1932, at home in Cedar Grove, Indiana, the cherished son of Alfred and Alma Deffner (nee Pulskamp). He attended Holy Guardian Angels Grade School and Church in Cedar Grove before graduating from Brookville High School in 1951. His first job was at Holy Guardian Angels Cemetery, where he hand-trimmed around the headstones for four cents a stone. Following high school, Dale attended Xavier University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He worked as an accountant throughout his career and continued working until the age of 90.
Dale married Maryann Ortman on April 19, 1952, and together they raised seven loving children. He was a faithful member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 1010. Although accounting was his profession, Dale was also instrumental in the founding and opening of Twin Forks Campground. He served on the Board of Directors for People’s Trust Co. Bank and later for MainSource Bank for many years.
Dale was known by most as a true sports enthusiast. He was especially proud to share that he scored the very first touchdown for the Brookville Greyhounds in 1951. Later in life, he achieved another memorable milestone when he recorded his first hole-in-one at the age of 86. Sports were a constant presence in his home, and no matter the sport, Dale enjoyed watching it on television. Whether it was football, basketball, or even kickball, if there was a game on, Dale was happy to watch. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events over the years and was always their number one supporter.
Dale also cherished a nightly tradition that began when he was just three years old. Every evening, he would kneel beside his bed and say his prayers. Even as his mobility became limited, Dale’s desire to continue this lifelong tradition remained strong. No matter the circumstances, prayer remained an important part of Dale’s life for 90 years.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, Dale passed away peacefully with family by his side.
Those surviving who will carry Dale’s legacy forward include his children, Debbie (Ed) Krause, Steve Deffner, Cathy (Ron) Feller, Dee Dee (Steve) Erhart, Mike (Marty) Deffner, Karen Kuntz, and son-in-law, Daryl Strohmier. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one sister, Patricia Naayers; a brother-in-law, Ed (Connie) Ortman, three sisters-in-law, Rita Apsley, Eileen Hyde, and Janie (Rene) Stivers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Ellie Strohmier; three siblings, Velma Dieckmann, Sharon Singer, and Ron Deffner; as well as a son-in-law, Jerry Kuntz.
Friends and relatives may visit on Monday, September 14th from 4 until 7 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home of Brookville, 929 Main Street. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Father Vincent Lampert will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 15th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions in honor of Dale may be directed to St. Michael Catholic School or to the Knights of Columbus Council 1010. Donations will be accepted in person at the visitation, or they can be mailed to 145 E. St. Michael Blvd., Brookville, IN 47012.
To share a fond memory, leave a personal condolence, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for Dale and his family.