Dale Justin Markee, 78, of Union Center, Wis., took his journey home after a yearlong battle with melanoma.
Dale was born Aug. 18, 1933, in Whitestown Township of Vernon County, near Ontario, to Loey and Eliza (Winchel) Markee, weighing in at just over two pounds.
He served in the U.S. Air force from August 1952 through 1956. Upon returning, he was employed by Ray-O-Vac in Wonewoc and later by Merrick’s in Union Center. He was known to all to be the best sorghum maker around. Dale also enjoyed his music and was the drummer for the Jack Pine Savages. If anyone questioned the family history, Dale was sure to know the answers, and his knowledge will be deeply missed by all. Dale could always be found at a rummage sale or thrift shop, as it was his passion to find a bargain.
On Sept. 13, 1958, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Rabuck, and to that union they had one daughter, Colleen Jean.
Dale is survived by his daughter, Colleen, and her husband, Steven Baker of Wonewoc; grandson Jonathan and Stephanie Baker of La Crosse and grandson Josh and Ashley Baker of Union Center; his great-grandchildren, Anna and Emmett of La Crosse and Heidi Jean and Forrest of Union Center; one sister, Lucille Delaney of Union Center; and two sisters-in-law, Adeline Olson of Madison and Donna Faye Montgomery of Reedsburg.
Dale is also survived by his late loving friend Fern Winchell’s family, John (Mary) Hanratty of Elroy, Chuck (Linda) Goldbeck of Elroy, Orin (Deanne) Thorsen of Darien, Wis., and Jeff (Angie) Herschleb of Reedsburg.
Those who preceded Dale in his journey were his parents, Loey and Eliza; his wife, Norma Jean; his brothers, Donald, Lloyd, Harold, LeRoy and Ronnie; his sisters, Charlotte Carson, Lena Koch, Evonne and Flossie Markee; and his beloved friend, Fern Winchell.
Graveside services for all relatives and friends will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Pine Eden Cemetery in Wonewoc. Pastor Roger Miller will officiate. Immediately following this closure of life for Dale, an “old-fashioned potluck” will be held at the Wonewoc Legion Hall (dish to pass, optional) to greet the family and share good times in remembrance of Dale’s life.
The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Wilton, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
