William “Bill” R. Dahlke

Obituary

William “Bill” Roger Dahlke was born on February 15, 1938, at home in Green Isle Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. He was the oldest son of William H. and Hilda (Jakobi) Dahlke. William was baptized on March 6, 1938, by Rev. W.M. Striepe at Zion Lutheran Church in New Auburn Township. William was confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 25, 1952, by Rev. E. A. Schuett at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. William received his education through the 8th Grade in Biscay, then received his High School education in Glencoe and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1956.

On April 17, 1966, William was united in marriage to Mary Ann Becker by Rev. E. W. Dohmeier at St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Brownton. William and Mary made their home in Glencoe until 1977 when they moved to Bill's family farm near Biscay. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Daniel, Douglas, and Dean. William and Mary shared over 37 years of marriage before Mary passed away on September 13, 2003.

William was employed at Lemke Welding in Glencoe. After moving to the farm, Bill milked cows and farmed the land. He retired from milking in 1995 and then began raising beef cows. In 2020 Bill moved off the farm and into Grand Meadows. Then, in November 2022 Bill moved into Glen Fields.

William was an active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church; he served as a Deacon and an usher, he held a seat on the  Cemetery Board, and was a member of the Men’s Club. He enjoyed serving applesauce at the annual Men's Club Pancake Breakfast.

William loved to spend time outdoors; farming, gardening, and fishing. William was proud to say he farmed with International Tractors. Bill loved operating the large crane when working for Lemke Welding. He enjoyed playing Sheepshead. He taught his kids and grandchildren how to play. However, he showed no mercy and enjoyed taking their money. He stated that was the best way to learn! He enjoyed watching sports, most especially cheering on the Minnesota Twins. William was always one to give a helping hand when he could and truly cherished time spent with his family, and grandchildren, meeting his great-grandchildren, and socializing with friends.

William entered his eternal rest on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 7 days. Blessed be his memory.

William is survived by his
Sons,   Daniel Dahlke of Glencoe, MN,
            Douglas Dahlke and his wife, Patty, of Glencoe, MN,
            Dean Dahlke and his wife, Cindy, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Samantha (Nathan) Boyer, Matthew (Kaylan) Dahlke, Eric Dahlke, Blake (Mackenzie) Dahlke, and Morgan Dahlke;
Great-Grandchildren, Adeline Boyer, and Judith Dahlke;
Siblings, Myrtice Becker of New Auburn, MN, Dorothy Dahlke of Glencoe, MN, Irene (Michael) Billings of CO, Karen (Bob) Rodda of OH;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

William was preceded in death by his Wife, Mary Ann Dahlke; Father and Mother, William H. and Hilda Dahlke; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Leonard and Esther Becker; Siblings, Elmer Dahlke, Vila Michaletz; Brothers-in-law, Gerhard Becker, Myron Michaletz, Hans Kranz, Sylvan Becker, Hillard Rickheim; Sisters-in-law, Betty Cohrs, Sandy Becker, Ella Rickheim.