Joe Dailing, founder of Prairie State Legal Services, dies at 78

Joe Dailing of Rockford is seen here celebrating his retirement from Prairie State Legal Services in 2006.
Joe Dailing of Rockford is seen here celebrating his retirement from Prairie State Legal Services in 2006.

ROCKFORD — Joseph A. Dailing, founder and former executive director of Prairie State Legal Services, died the morning of June 9. He was 78.

Prairie State Legal Services issued a news release on Dailing's death Tuesday.

Back in the 1970s, Dailing brought Illinois county bar association legal aid programs in McLean, Peoria, Winnebago and Kane counties together to form Prairie State Legal Services, which was then able to provide free legal assistance to those in need across 11 counties, the organization said in the release.

Over time, that grew to more than 30 counties.

Dailing, of Rockford, led the organization for 29 years until his retirement in 2006.

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According to Prairie State Legal Services, several of Dailing's colleagues remembered Dailing as a thoughtful communicator who inspired and cared for those around him.

Dailing was born in Moline. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966 and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa in 1974.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Diane; children Elizabeth Dailing and Paul (Lisa) Dailing; grandchildren Samuel and Nora Dailing; sister Mary Lappe; brother-in-law Richard (Gwen Schoolar) Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dailing was recognized in 1992 by the Winnebago County Bar Foundation with the Seeley P. Forbes Memorial Award and by Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, Board of Directors' Award. In 2014, he received the Illinois Bar Foundation, Leadership and Dedication to the Law Award.

He was also active in historic preservation efforts in Rockford, serving on a fair housing commission as well as on the boards of several organizations.

Prairie State Legal Services works to ensure equal access to justice and fair treatment under the law by providing legal advice and representation, advocacy, education and outreach. It provides free legal services for low-income persons and people age 60 and over who have serious civil legal problems.

Corina Curry is the news director for the Rockford Register Star and Freeport Journal-Standard: ccurry@rrstar.com; @corinacurry

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Joe Dailing, founder of Prairie State Legal Services, dies at 78