Dale Owen, who led the $482 million Ascentra Credit Union as its president/CEO for seven years, died Saturday at his home surrounded by his family in Rock Island, Ill., after a five-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was 52.
“He loved his credit union, a love that transcended to our staff, our members and the communities we serve. Each and every day Dale put others first, was the eternal optimist and was a positive influence on the lives of many,” the Bettendorf, Iowa-based credit union said in a prepared statement. “Because of his passion and dedication, Ascentra Credit Union is the thriving, community partner organization it is today. As he ascended to a place more worthy of his beautiful and giving nature, he left us with a simple message of inspiration to ‘be the light.’”
Last month, Owen was named as the board chair for the Iowa Credit Union League in Des Moines. He had served previously on the boards of the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, Iowa Corporate Credit Union Holding Company, Quad City DollarWise, Federal Home Loan Bank MPF National Advisory Council, CMGMI National Insight Panel, Iowa Credit Union League Payday Lending Task Force, Great River Chapter of Credit Unions, Davenport Neighborhood Housing Service and Quad City Credit Association.
Linda Audry, CFO, has been named interim CEO, the credit union said.
“We thank our members and the community for their outpouring of support during this difficult time for the Owen family and our credit union board and staff,” Ascentra said.
Owen is survived by his wife, Angela; children, Nick, Megan, Allison, Kyia and Duston (Lani) and their children, Emily and Peyton.
Memorials may be made in care of the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation, Augustana College, Iowa Credit Union Foundation or the Rock Island/Milan Education Foundation.
The funeral will be live-streamed at 12 noon on Nov. 22 at www.wheelanpressly.com/live-stream.