Dale Papke

Dale Milton Papke, 81 of Eau Claire, WI died Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Sacred Heart Hospital from obstructed bowel syndrome.

Dale was born on August 13, 1937 in Oshkosh, WI to parents Milton and Matilda (Koch) Papke.

He grew up in Waupun, WI and graduated from the Waupun High School in 1955. While working at a drugstore during high school, he fell in love with pharmacy which he pursued in college. He received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1960.

Dale married Dolly (Doloris) Kringle on August 27, 1960 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, WI.

After Dale completed his internship in Madison they moved to Rice Lake, WI for his first pharmacist position at Dow Drugs.

In 1969 they moved to Shell Lake where he owned and operated the Medicine Chest for 20 years. Before retiring, Dale worked at several pharmacies in northwest WI.

He was a devoted volunteer with the Cub Scouts, Salvation Army, Beacon House and the local food pantry. Dale regularly donated blood through the American Red Cross and was a longtime member of the Jaycees and the Shell Lake Chamber of Commerce. He was also a founding member of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin and a life member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

Dale loved to relax by reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee or spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing cards at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center and in his community. He was known for his sense of humor and often saved up jokes to tell friends and family. Dale also loved to travel and he spent time in most of the 50 United States, including his dream trip to Hawaii to celebrate his 80th birthday. He was a member of Saving Grace Lutheran Church. As a man of Christian faith, he looked forward to being united with his heavenly Father in eternity.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Karen Papke; brother-in-law, Donald Kringle; and niece Karen Gargulak.

He is survived by wife, Dolly Papke; children, Chad (Jodi) Papke of East Bethel, MN and Chloe Papke of Pittsburgh, PA. Brothers Milton (Lorraine) Papke of Winneconne, WI and Ray (Jane) Papke of Ninety Six, SC. Grandchildren Ashley (Chris) Tarbart, Andrew (Brittany) Bailey, Adam (Heather Lahoud) Bailey and Alexis Varchminn. Great-Grandchildren Brecken and Maddox Bailey, Stella Tarbart and her soon to be baby sister Lilah. And many other relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Saving Grace Lutheran Church (2124 East Ridge Center, Eau Claire WI 54701) this Sunday November 4th with Pastor David Irgens officiating. Visitation is from 1:30-2:30, Celebration at 2:30 followed by lunch.