Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
On November 16, 2021, Dale “Chief” Witzke received his final call to duty to join our Father in heaven surrounded by his loving family. Dale was born on October 2, 1934, to his parents Clarence Witzke and Esther (Raddatz) Witzke. He attended Oshkosh High School. On July 21, 1956, Dale married the love of his life Therese Ann Witzke at Sacred Heart Church in Oshkosh. They were happily married for 63 years.
Dale had a lot of pride for his country and served with honor for many years. In high school, he joined the Navy Reserves in Oshkosh. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After 4 years of service, he joined the Oshkosh Police Department for a period of 8 years. He then opened Dale’s Spur Station. In 1976 Dale accepted the Chief of Police position in Winneconne. While serving as Chief, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. He completed 20 years of service and then retired. In 1994 he retired as Chief of Police after 19 years of service. After retirement, he drove school bus for the Winneconne Community School District. Community was very important to Dale; he was a VFW Commander, American Legion Post 364 Commander, a member of the Masonic Lodge, served on the county board, Winnebago County Veterans Service Commission, and the Elks Club. His involvement in community was plentiful and had many accomplishments over a long fulfilling lifetime.
The greatest joy in Dale’s life was his family. He loved his family with his whole heart, and they were truly blessed to have been loved by him. Dale is survived by three children, Gary Witzke (Michelle), Lori Witzke Boe Brink Quello (Jeff), and Lisa Witzke-Frost (Eric); grandchildren, Alicia Witzke Tofari (Tony), Ashley Boe (special friend Jeremy), Brandon Boe (Chrissy), Tyler Brink (Sophia), Kaylee Witzke, Gage Witzke; great-granddaughters, Makayla Dalton, Josephine Tofari, and Eden Tofari; brother, Jim Witzke (Pat); sister, Janet Witzke Jordan; niece, Vicki Jordan Vandermolen (Pete); nephew, Scott Witzke; great-nieces and great-nephews, many cousins and friends.
Preceding Dale in death were his beloved wife, Therese Ann Witzke; parents, Clarence and Esther Witzke; in-laws, Leo Schmitt, Delia Van Thiel Schmitt Procknow, and Merlin Procknow; and a brother-in-law, Richard Jordan.
Dale will be remembered as a strong man with an open heart. Together with his wife Therese Ann, they made everyone they met feel like family. With a heart as generous and loving as Dale’s, he will be missed by all.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church 6090 Harbour South (corner of Hwy 116 and Harbour South) Winneconne. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. Burial with military honors will be on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Oshkosh.
We would like to extend a special thanks to the Oshkosh Paramedics, Aurora ER, Aurora second floor hospital staff, Aurora Hospice Care, Mueller Funeral Home, Holiday Florist, and Pastor Kevin. Thanks to their support and kind hearts, they helped our family through a very difficult time.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Sonny Sonnenschein wrote on December 24, 2021
Dale was one unique police chief always kind and respectful....always waved to me when I drove by his patrol car with my UPS truck! Sadly heard about Dale's passing today! God Bless his family!
Lynn Ruedinger wrote on December 9, 2021
Lori,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You have my deepest sympathy.
I lost my Dad a year ago and I know how very difficult losing a parent is. You are in my prayers.
May God give you comfort and peace.
Lynn
Dan Muza wrote on November 24, 2021
May you rest in peace, Chief. You were always very kind to me a kind, good man to others. You will be missed, Sir.
Robert and Betty Lorenz wrote on November 24, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Dale's passing. We were very good friends for many years. We had a wonderful musical connection. You have our deepest sympathies. Bob & Betty
Lynn Huettl wrote on November 22, 2021
I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve.
Ian Livingstone wrote on November 22, 2021
I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve.
Bellgowan Family wrote on November 21, 2021
Dear Lisa and family, We are so sorry about Dale’s passing. He was such a kind soul! I know this is so hard, and we hope you take some small comfort knowing that he is reunited with his beloved, Therese Ann. You are all in our thoughts and we are praying for your peace in this difficult time. Sending lots of love. Love, Pat, Julie, Alex, Sean, and Liam
Greg Laabs wrote on November 21, 2021
We remember Dale as he was at the polka jams we had at the Legion in Winneconne. We played there for many years, and he a big part of helping with tending bar and planning our party at the end of the year.
Mike Halasi wrote on November 19, 2021
RIP to a real class act and sincere condolences to Dale's family. He was truly one of the good guys!
Shirley Holtmeier wrote on November 19, 2021
My thoughts and prayers to Dale's family. I have known Dale for many years both professionally and personally. RIP Dale.
Christa Robl wrote on November 18, 2021
I met Dale when he lived in Oshkosh and was working for the OPD. Such a kind and gentle man. RIP Dale. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe Breister wrote on November 18, 2021
Lisa and family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Dale was a quite but confident man who always did the right thing for the right reasons. He made a profound impact on my career in law enforcement and I will be forever grateful. May he Rest In Peace. God speed Dale.
Pete and Jody Running family wrote on November 18, 2021
To the family of Chief Witzke: We are so sorry for your loss. I considered Chief a personal friend whose influence in the community was something I strove to emulate. His loss is felt across many, many parts of the Winneconne community. Sending our condolences and prayers for peace to the entire Witzke family.
Pete and Jody Running family.
Mitch Lux wrote on November 18, 2021
I remember listening to Chief Dale on the police scanner . Thanks for your service Rest In Peace 9 -90 out.
William Beck wrote on November 18, 2021
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Dale will be sorely missed. Sincerely Bill Beck
Tom and Janet Zak wrote on November 18, 2021
The world has lost a good man. Our families have been friends and practically family for 50+ years. A lot of fun but more importantly a lot of memories. RIP Dale
Todd and Linda Zak wrote on November 18, 2021
To The Witzke Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Dale treated me like I was one of his kids. He taught me how to hunt and work on cars at a young age, and those memories I will treasure my whole life. Dale was a good guy that will be missed by all that knew him. God Bless You all !
Todd