Obituaries - Condolences

Condolences to the Family of Dale R. Petkovsek

Joe frenette Willard ,wi 54493 – Posted On: January 3, 2015

Dale I am sorry I am missed you are man for your job at Dale bar is good food is good make a hamburger and sweet potatoes you make it for Joe is love it you get a pop and beer we are missed you we do fireworks at Dale bar we nut coming the PARY for Dale we nut coming see a fireworks we sorry i love you Dale this is Joe William FRENETTE jr

Amy Podboy Reynolds Springfield, VA – Posted On: August 6, 2013

Mary and Family-

I was deeply saddened to hear of Dale's passing. He truly was a legend and someone whose legacy will live on forever in Willard and all across the country. All my trips back to the cabin have had a trip or two to North Mound...each filled with a fond memory of you and Dale. May he rest in peace and be waiting for us all. Save me a seat, Dale!

Henry Hodgson Weyerhaeuser, WI – Posted On: August 5, 2013

Dale touched the hearts of more people than anyone can imagine. See you again someday my friend.

Angela Dawn Shackleton Eau Claire – Posted On: August 5, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Dale! I wish i could have found out sooner! He sure left his mark in the world and on many of us! I am blessed to have known him and my prayers are with all of ypu!

Pat & Jean Bayuk Greensburg, PA – Posted On: August 4, 2013

Dale will have a legacy in the Willard community and beyond. Our deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. Respectfully Pat & Jean

David, Kathy and Jaidyn Minnesota – Posted On: August 3, 2013

what a great man...you touched each and every one of us in your own special way. RIP

John and Sue Vornholt Neillsville, Wi – Posted On: August 3, 2013

Mary and Family, So Sorry to hear about Dale. We have great memories of time spent at North Mound and concerts talking with Dale and you. Dale was truly one of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. You and your family have our deepest sympathy.

Wendy Klancher Washington, DC – Posted On: August 2, 2013

I wish I could attend the funeral and celebration of Dale's life. Dale was a great man who lived his life in courage; I have so much respect for the strides he made to give people with disabilities access to hunting and fishing. In remembrance of a great man.

Nick and Jeannine Kitzhaber Coon Rapids, MN – Posted On: August 2, 2013

Dale was a wonderful friend. His stubborn Willard-ness served him well and enabled him to accomplish much in his life, despite extreme obstacles. He raised awareness in many of us with regards to physically disabled people and what can be achieved. Rest in Peace Dale. “It is not the length of life, but the depth.” (Emerson)

Mary Ruth Govek-Weytens Waukesha, WI – Posted On: August 2, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to Donna and all of Dale's family. He will always be remembered as a cornerstone of the Willard community, and will be truly missed! May he enjoy his eternal life in the presence of Jesus Christ...

Will Faulkner (The School House Gang) La Crosse, WI – Posted On: August 2, 2013

I first met Dale when I was in my teens as a future hunter of the great woods of the Willard area. Since that time he was always a joy to visit with. Dale never turned a shoulder to conversation; whether it was sharing hunting and fishing stories, getting the latest on Willard news and events, or lending an ear when I was going through some pretty tough times. No matter the reason, if he was there, he would listen. I(we) have many fond memories of our conversations and joking around. Whenever I(we) were at the school house a common topic was when do I(we) want to go up to Dale's? Dinner or Supper? My Dad and I would always stop by for just a couple, but it never failed. We would stay 'til closing time. It's difficult to imagine stopping by North Mound without Dale at the end of the bar greeting us with a smile as we walk in. From all of us formerly of the Church School, "The School House Gang", you will forever be a part of our history. Rest in Peace Dale...

Brad Spring Grove, IL – Posted On: August 2, 2013

I was very saddened to hear of Dale's passing. Dale was a great person and will be remembered for his friendliness and generousity. I will miss him but will always remember him in my prayers.

Sonny & Pris Andesron Chaseburg, WI – Posted On: August 2, 2013

Our sympathies to Dale's family and friends! He certainly will be missed by all the Mead Lake folks along with many others, near and far.

Jody & Darlene Laib Stafford, Tx – Posted On: August 2, 2013

We extend our deepest sympathy to Dales Family. Dale was a master of courage, humility,and selfless acts. He will continue to be an inspiration for all who paid attention to his many positive character traits.

JimRice Dubois, Wyoming – Posted On: August 1, 2013

My condolences to all the family on the loss of Dale,my friendship with Dale and family extends back to 1958 when our family moved to Willard. I have allways considered it a honor to of known and been accepted into their family. There has been lots of times in the last 30 some years of Dales disability when Dale was a inspiration to me and his ability to endure helped me endure. Dale was a true inspiration for me, and the support both his family and the community gave him was something to be admired. Mankind has truly lost a great person,but the world is a better place because of Dale ,his disability ,and his family. May he rest in peace, good by old friend. Jim Rice

Carol A. Govek South Bend, IN – Posted On: August 1, 2013

My deepest love and prayers of sympathy for Dale's siblings, particularly for you Joanne. May you all give witness to the gift Dale is and has been. May the healing of Jesus Christ touch the entire North Mound community. May Dale's legacy of goodness, love, and service remain.

Eddie Bayuk Willard WI – Posted On: August 1, 2013

My prayers and condolences to Dales family. A great friend and classmate. Some great times we had. The EAGLES concert was the greatest!!! Walk tall with the Lord. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Lisa (Bukovec)Schreiber – Posted On: August 1, 2013

So Sorry to hear about Dale, I'll miss seeing him in at Fleet Farm, my prayers are with his family and friends

Carla Degenhardt Spencer, WI – Posted On: August 1, 2013

Our hearts go out to those who lost such a great guy.

Paul & Jannell Carlson Medford, WI – Posted On: August 1, 2013

As you can tell by all the messages posted on this site, to know Dale is to love him. Paul and I first met Dale while shooting with our family at Black River Bowmen's club in Greenwood. He loved archery and was an incredible bow shooter, putting most of us to shame with his scorecard. We became inspired with his passion to help other disabled people enjoy this sport when Dale organized Rock Creek Disabled Hunt. Dale took the cards that were dealt to him and made the most of it by helping others enjoy his passions. He is a true inspiration and left behind a legacy that his family and RCDO followers should be proud of. We will miss him immensely and are honored to have known him. Paul & Jannell Carlson, Northwoods Archers.

Dave and Mariann Jones Willard, WI. – Posted On: July 31, 2013

So sorry for our loss. Dale was a warm, gentle, kind man who left this life too soon. No one will ever fill his shoes with all that he has done for the people of Willard and no one will ever be able to pass that curve in Rock Creek Road without thinking warm thoughts of him.

Nancy Arch Karlin – Posted On: July 31, 2013

Dales passing is a terrible loss for his family, friends, and the community at large. The countless lives he touched on so many different levels will keep him in our fond memories. Going home to Willard just won't be the same without him. I am so sorry for his loved ones there.

Jim Rutledge Monroe, WI – Posted On: July 31, 2013

Sincere sympathies to Dale's family and friends. Dale was one of those persons I wish I would have met earlier in life.

Paul Klancher Rice Lake, WIsconsin – Posted On: July 31, 2013

Dale was a Willard institution - what a wonderful guy! We will all miss him so very much! Thanks, Dale for all you do for others. Paul Klancher and Barb Goffin

Roy Gregorich Family Willard, WI – Posted On: July 31, 2013

We have lost a pillar of our community, I had a greater respect for Dale then any other person I have ever met. I will never forget the times we had and the hunts we had, he truly was an inspiration to me my family and many others. He completely changed the life of countless people and disabled hunters and with renewed vigor an attitude, he will be greatly missed. I would also like to thank his family for making his difficult life such a huge success.

Bill & Becky O'Black Edgar, WI – Posted On: July 31, 2013

Bill & I were saddened to hear of Dale's untimely death. We always enjoyed our time spent at the Mound, visiting with Dale, Mary and other friends and family. We were there just a few weeks ago, and as always, it was so nice to see Dale at the end of the bar "coaching" a new bartender. Dale was an amazing person... Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Denis and Mary Degenhardt Owen, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to Dales family. What a wonderful man! He will be truly missed by all...

Doris Barnes Marshfield, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

I'm sorry for your loss! Dale was a great man and will be missed. I remember going to the tavern with my family as I was growing up and received good advice from dale while my father was dying of cancer. I know he will be waiting in heaven for us to be with him.

kurt Christensen verona, wi.53593 – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Dale would like for us all to celebrate his life with a happy heart rather than the heavy sadness we all feel absence physically. We can all feel his presence spiritually especially when we are out in nature enjoying the outdoors he taught us showed us and exemplified and in his life. Much love to All family and all of the wonderful people and friends that he shared with me and my family over the years! until we meet again my friend besides the Lord's green pasture ! billions of blessings

Marv & Sandy (Liebzeit) Rose Green Bay, Wi. – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Our sympathy to the family. I just want you to know, how proud I was to read in our Green Bay Press about Dale and his Sunset Pines Resort for the handicapped. It showed how his disability was just another part of his journey in life. We will miss stopping by at North Mound, when coming home to visit family and friends.

JoAnne and Doug Morris and family Mt. Prospect Il – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Dale was a great person, man and friend! Our hearts and prayers go out to his family! Willard will never be the same! But Heaven will never be the same either, they have Dale, they are lucky to have him! What a great guy!

Terry and Joyce Becker Neillsville, Wi. – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Dale will be sadly missed by many freinds and family. He can now join Tammy Becker in heaven and have that chat they always had when she came home to visit. She was 53 So sorry.

Amanda & Kevin Willard, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

It was a pleasure getting to know Dale after we moved to Willard two years ago. I then was working at the bar, helping out whenever I was able, and got to know Dale pretty well. He was always attentive and very caring. He will be missed by so many but I just think of him running his hinder off up in heaven, probably with his dad and mom. May you rest in peace man!

April Konkol Granton, Wi – Posted On: July 30, 2013

I met Dale at St. Joe's a few years ago and must say he always put a smile on my face. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed my time I got to spend with him. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

Roberta Pabich-pabich's Residential Facility Greenwood, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

I work with adults with developmental disabilities and we had planned a party. Dale's was normally closed on Monday nights, but he opened up for just our small group. That was the kind of guy he was. I was planning to pick his brain on an idea I have and will now never get the chance. I'm sure he would have had great input! Dale will be missed.

Connie & Steve Bushman Greenwood, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

To the Trunkel Family We will miss Dale. Always enjoyed talking with him whenever we came out to the bar to eat or for other activities. He made North Mound a place to go to and has left a great legacy behind with the Disabled Hunt and Sunset Pines.

Scott Krultz & DNR Neillsville, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

On behalf of the Department of Natural Resources I’d like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Dale. He will be greatly missed. His vision, passion and dedication to the outdoors were surpassed by none. Dale was a fabulous partner to work with and received numerous awards for his work. He was not one for gloating about his accomplishments, but rather focused on his genuine concern to help others. Everyone whose life he touched truly appreciated his devotion. On a personal side I knew Dale my whole life and he was a considerate and kind man. Dale always took time to talk to you no matter what was going on. Hopefully we all learn from the life lessons Dale taught us. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am sure his legacy will live on, rest in peace bud.

Sasha Degenhardt Milwaukee, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

He was a good man. His light was snuffed out too quickly. May he find in his next calling what he did not find in this one. May those he left behind know only joy in recalling his life instead of sorrow. He taught so many so much, may his teachings and lessons be passed on.

Wanda Suda-Wonson West Newfield, ME – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Dear Dale, I shall miss you so very much. Coming to see you was always a priority when I came back for visits. Loved your hugs, cares, and friendship. Its sad that you are no longer with all of us, but I live with joy to know you are standing whole with our Lord looking down on us all. See you one day again my friend. I send prayers and thoughts to your family. Thanks for being you! You are a very special man.

Dennis & Carol Fait Auburndale,Wi. – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Even though we were seasonal people in the Neillsville,Willard area,and did not get to Dale's bar a lot, when we did he was always friendly and always willing to talk and see how we were doing. Our sympathy to his family. God Bless.

Mandy Kline (Paulson) Beckley, WV – Posted On: July 30, 2013

I'm so honored to have known such a great man. You will be missed dearly. Sending love and prayers to the family.

Kamp Bevka Girls Sparta. WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

The girls are very saddened to hear the news of Dale's passing. He was a kind, loving man and will be missed by many. Heaven added another angel. Rest in Peace Dale. Thanks for the great memories.

steve koschak madison, wi – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Mary: Sorry to hear about Dale.

Jerry and Bunny Schoen Whitewater, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

He will be missed by many.

Shawn and Adria McGovern Island Lake, IL – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Mary and Family, Dale was a wonderful man and a giving friend. We will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Shawn and Age

Cory Smrecek green bay wi – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Deepest sympathy to family n friends.Dale was a great guy n will be dearly missed by many.

Gigi Plautz Marshfield, WI – Posted On: July 30, 2013

Dale, You made the best of your situation and made life better for others. You've left a great legacy. I hope you're running around in heaven. I wonder if God allows hunting up there? lol

John & Linda Binder Plymouth, WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Dale was a great guy and will be missed by all. I first met Dale (as a student) when I was a teacher in the Greenwood Junior High. Later I enjoyed the conversations I had with him on my yearly rounds of collecting firework's donations. He was a generous man and did much to make the Greenwood/Willard area an attractive location. My thoughts are with his family and friends. May the wonderful memories of his life console us all.

John Nolan Byron, Illinois – Posted On: July 29, 2013

20 years ago my brothers and I bought hunting land 2 miles from the North Mound Inn. 20 years ago we found a great friend in Dale.
Dale lived the life of a true Christian. He always put others before himself. He has been an inspiration to all that knew him. He will be truely missed by us all.
My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. You helped make Dale's dreams come true.

Mary Bergin Madison, WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Peace be with you. I feel privileged to have met Dale and know he made a positive, lasting difference in the world during his lifetime.

Patti & Norm Danielewicz Thorp WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

So sorry to hear about Dale's passing, our thoughts are with his family. Dale was an awesome and inspiring man. He will be missed by many.

Pat and Kay Plautz Eagan, MN – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Words cannot describe how much we enjoyed knowing you and the family these many years, all of our years. Dales North Mound is a rock of stability that was the gathering place for most of our gatherings. Your place at the end of the bar was always rewarding and your smile always inviting. You will be missed.

Dale and Penny Smrecek Greenwood – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Our thoughts and prays are with all of Dales family, friends and All that knew him. He will be missed by many. We all are proud of what Dale has done in his life and all the help and support he gave to other Handicap people who would never of had a chance to Hunt , fish ETC if Dale hasn't helped in doing so. God bless.

Nancy Jo Garner Mountain, WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

I wrote this for Dale and sent it to him years ago and would like to share it with his family and friends. For Dale, I remember so well the times we laughed, the times we cried. Though our lives have played out separately, We still connected from time to time. And when we did, it was like we were never apart. You have always had a smile for me A smart remark to make me feel I’m home again. You’ve changed so much, yet your heart is the same, Full of a love of life that draws others to you like a magnet. The years have gone by, yet when we are together, We are young again, And anything in life is possible. Thank you, Dale, for showing the world that anything in life is indeed possible, no matter what your physical limitations are.

James W Baker Oconomowoc WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Mary and family, So sorry for your loss of brother and friend. Will not be able to attend the services but will send prayers. He is a great preson in a different place. Be strong with the love you know for him. Prayers, The JW Baker Family

Jim and Donna Boe Phillips WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

So sorry to hear about Dale.
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family.

Katherine Baker Oconomowoc wi – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Dale, Your smile and your understanding for adversty to life has made a great mark on humanity. You have made other people's life easier. Thanks for being part of my life. You are missed... Kathy Jim JT Mandy and Patrick Baker

Kelli (Klapatauskas) McGreevey Appleton, WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

I have so many wonderful memories of going to North Mound as a kid and then working there in high school and college--Dale was truly one of the most incredible people I've met and he changed my outlook on life in many ways--he was a great listener and had an insightful perspective. He will be missed!!

Lisa Schulz Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin – Posted On: July 29, 2013

I have in the last 8 years grown to love all of you , working at the bar has been awesome and the friendships that I was able to make will be with me the rest of my life . Yourthoughts and prayers are with me love you all Love Lisa Schulz

Mike & Marie Tubbin Milwaukee, WI – Posted On: July 29, 2013

So sorry to hear about the loss of Dale! We always liked seeing him when we were in town. I thought his sense of humor was particular endearing. He had some great hunts. He'll be missed. Hugs to Mary and family.

Sam Wheeler II Atlanta GA – Posted On: July 29, 2013

Dale was a great guy, loved by our entire family. He will be missed. He left a great legacy!

Missy Nielsen – Posted On: July 29, 2013

So sad to hear about Dale's accident. He was a sweet man, and will be missed!