Donald A. Dahlke

Donald A. Dahlke, 81, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 19th, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Chaseburg, WI, with Rev. Steven Oldre officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thursday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon and for 1 hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Donald A. Dahlke was born on January 6, 1928 on the rural Chaseburg, WI farm of his parents, Arthur and Emma (Schrader) Dahlke. After attending Chaseburg area schools, he helped on the farm and then went to La Crosse, WI where he worked at Rice's Wholesale Foods. On August 7, 1948 he married Phyllis June Warner in Viroqua, WI. They farmed for 3 years and then operated a small grocery store in Purdy, WI, where Don also drove truck for several companies. He later spent 4 years delivering for Sunbeam and Rippin Good Cookies. He operated Dahlke's IGA Stores in Waukon, IA from 1964 until 1976 and in Fayette, IA from 1976 until 1989. From 1989 until 1996 he worked for PIL in distribution and service, handling accounts throughout the southwestern United States. Following that he retired first to Fayette and then West Union before moving back to Waukon in 2008.

Don was an ardent follower of politics and current events and active in the Democratic Party. He formerly served as president of Big Rock County Club in Fayette and enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing cards and following the Chicago Cubs. He treasured family times and he encouraged get-togethers as often as possible. Don always had a smile to share and a twinkle in his eyes, and he'll be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife Phyllis of Waukon; 3 children, Bill (Connie) Dahlke of Marshalltown, IA, Sue (Mick) Stamper of Waukon, and Karl (Kim) Dahlke of Bellevue, NE; a son-in-law, Bob Butikofer of Cedar Falls, IA; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Darrold (Elaine) Dahlke of La Crosse, WI and Arthur (Frances) Dahlke of Stoddard, WI; and 2 sisters, Ardice (Mervin) Wilson of Stoddard, WI and Bernelle Skrede of Viroqua, WI. He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Liz Butikofer; a granddaughter, Sarah Dahlke; and a sister, Darlene Helm.

Casketbearers are his grandchildren, Audrea Peterson, Christian Butikofer, Dustin Folsom, Megan Dahlke, Bridget Nelson, Alyssa Butikofer, Trace Stamper and Matt, Robin, and Ryan Dahlke.

Cards and memorials may be sent to the family at 602 2nd St. SW, Apt. F23, Waukon, IA 52172.