Dean LeRoy Noffke, 92, of La Crosse, formerly of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
Dean was born in Ontario on Nov. 11, 1921, to Richard and Ethel (Abbott) Noffke. Dean married Helenjane Mannel at St. Jacob’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norwalk on Jan. 17, 1942.
Dean entered the Army in 1942, serving in the Pacific Theater before being discharged in 1945. His father owned a bridge-building company, which Dean took over after returning home from the service. He built many of the bridges in and around Monroe County. When Dean retired from building bridges, he bought the Norwalk Lumber Company, which he proudly operated for 10 years.
Dean was an honored member of the Norwalk American Legion for 60 years.
After retiring, Dean and Helen enjoyed spending winters in Apache Junction, Ariz., and summer weekends in their trailer home at Lake Holcombe, Wis., where Dean loved to fish.
Dean is survived by his wife of 72 years, Helenjane of La Crosse; his daughter, Barbara (Dave) Denzer of La Crosse; four grandchildren, Tamara (Rafael Luna) Noffke, Scott (Greta) Noffke, Ryan (Holly) Denzer and Michelle (Shane) Lockington; five great-grandchildren, Cole and Aiden Denzer, Emma Noffke, Brooklyn and Savannah Lockington, and one great-granddaughter who is expected in April; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Noffke of Winter, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Faye Mannel of Sparta; along with other relatives, family and friends.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; another son, Gary; and an infant brother.
Funeral services with full military honors will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Grace Lutheran Church, on the corner of Ward Avenue and S. 26th Street, La Crosse. Pastor Jonathan Rimmert will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home of Norwalk is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at http://www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
