Dale R. Ellinger

Ellinger, Dale Rathbun, age 94, of Waterford, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024, with loving family at his side. Dale was born in Westfield, Wisconsin on June 28, 1929, the son of the late Harvey D. and Olla I. (nee Rathbun) Ellinger. Dale spent his early life on the family farms in Adams County, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the Army on July 12, 1948. He was transferred to the Army Air Corp. After serving 4 years in Germany, he was discharged as a Staff Sergent from the Air Force in 1952.

On November 28, 1953, he married Suzanne Marie Francis. The couple lived in the Territory of Alaska for a brief time, settling in Wisconsin. Dale was a plumber in Madison, Wisconsin before moving to New Berlin. Dale worked as an iron worker until his retirement in 1991. Dale and Sue purchased a farm in Big Bend, Wisconsin where he raised miniature donkeys, collected and restored antique wagons, buggies and carts. His pride and joy was an exact replica of a 19th century stage coach that he built from scratch.

Dale was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69years, Suzanne (Francis). Proud father of Merri (Tom) Cvetan, and Elaine Ellinger. Proud grandfather of Tyler (Kelly), Patrick, and Zachary (Megan). He is survived by his siblings,Carol (Rudy) Zacharias, Jack (Mary) Ellinger and James (Karen) Ellinger and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, siblings Ronald(Betty), Robert (Dawn), Shirley (Lloyd) Procknow, Noma (Harold) Holm, Gerald (Beverly), Franklin, Keith (Virginia), Fae (George) Butler, Philip (Elaine), Darleen (Rudy) Zacharias, Joan (Myron) Byers, Kenneth (Sunny).

A Celebration of Life gathering with family and friends will be held at Bushy’s Pub & Grill, S67W14831 Janesville Rd. Muskego, Wisconsin, 53150, on Thursday, April 4, from 12:00 to 4:00. Lunch will be served.

Private inurnment at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.  No flowersplease! Memorials are suggested to ACAP (Adaptive Community Approach Program) -Waukesha. https://www.acap-waukesha.org/

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• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home 
• 225 W. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185
• (262) 534-2233
• www.mealyfuneralhome.com