Benjamin Dahlke, of Antigo, died Monday, June 8, 2009 at his home. He was 88 years old. He was born on December 16, 1920 in Polar, to Louis and Lillian (Now) Dahlke. He married Marjorie Smith on February 28, 1947 in Antigo. She preceded him in death on September 18, 2002.

He served in the United States Army with the 40th Engineering Corps Company B, from 1942 - 1945 in the European Theatre having worked in Italy, Africa, Germany and France. Following service he worked as a logger for Yawkee-Bissell and in the western states of Oregon and Washington. In the 1950's he and his brother Herbert purchased their parents farm in the town of Rolling. He operated the dairy farm until retirement in 2002. He was a member of the Leland-Tollefson VFW Post 2653 in Antigo. He was an avid golfer and a Packer, Badger and Brewers fan. He enjoyed traveling.

Survivors include four daughters, Lynda (David) Nichols, Neoga, Ill, Leah Ann Iris, Weston, Laura (Joe) Speer, Brookings, Oregon, Lisa Dahlke, Antigo and fiancee Larry Dumke, Bowler, a son, Larry (Kay) Dahlke, Manteca, Calif, six grandchildren Jennifer, Sarah, Anson, Kara, Heather and Shane, six great grandchildren Nathaniel, Alex, Justin, Alyssa, Rachael and Jayna, three brothers, Ernest (Betty) Dahlke, Saratoga, Wyoming, Arthur (Eleanor) Dahlke, Antigo, Harvey (Nobuko) Dahlke, Clarksville, Tenn, a sister-in-law, Doris Dahlke, Stevens Point.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by a sister Norma (John) Jagla, four brothers Arnold, John, Herbert and William (Ann) Dahlke.

Services will be held on Friday, at 11:00 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Louise Russell Sanford officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery where Antigo veterans will conduct military rites. Visitation will be Thursday from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. and on Friday one hour prior to services all at the funeral home.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

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