Dale E. Hake

Dale Hake, age 85, of Neillsville, died Thursday, March 4, at the Memorial Nursing Home in Neillsville.

Dale Elmer Hake was born on January 13, 1919 at home in Neillsville, the son of Warrenen Eli and Helen (Luck) Hake. He attended the Washington Country School and then helped his family on the farm. Dale enlisted into the United States National Guard. He was in the Guard until his discharge just before the start of World War II. He was united in marriage to Charlotte Gaier on May 8, 1944 in Chicago, Ill. After. marriage they lived on Owen Avenue in Neillsville, where they farmed. Dale also worked for Gaier Construction for a short time and in the early 1970's he began working for th eNelson Muffler Factory. He worked there for 15 years until his retirement.

After his retirement, Dale and Charlotte enjoyed taking short trips around the state to Madelyn Island, Door County and Mackinac Isand to name a few. They also traveled to Colorado to visit Dale's sister, Viola MacWilliams; Charlotte died on July 31, 1998, and since then Dale had spent the winters in Naples, Florida.

Dale loved to work in the woods and was always making firewood. He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and taking fishing trips to Minnesota with his good friend, Joe Urlaub.

He is survived by two sons, John Hake of Neillsville and Gary (JoAnn) Hake of Wisconsin Rapids; two daughters, Carol (David) Harnisch of Tomah, and Patty (Greg) Nametz of Madison; three grandchildren, Jason and Jenna Hake and Emma Nametz; and one sister, Thelma Mashin of Neillsville.

Funeral services for Dale were held Monday, March 8, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Douglas Bjerke officiated. Music was provided by Eileen Zank, organist. Interment was in the Neillsville City Cemetery.

Casket Bearers were: Paul Rodriguez, Brad Schmidt, Jesse Marty, Douglas Lezotte, Fred Fink, and Norbert Barten.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Dale's Family with funeral arrangements