Dale R. Chroninger, 77 of Tomah passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Serenity House, Tomah. He was born on May 22, 1948, to Allen and Lorraine (Smith) Chroninger in Sparta. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1966. While attending WWTC, Dale was selected by a visiting Trane representative who had come to recruit promising students. He later went on to establish his own security firm, American Security, which provided private security services throughout the region. In the late 1990s, Dale closed the business and began a new chapter with the Holmen Police Department. He then went to work for the Warrens PD. Over the years, he also served with several sheriff’s departments, including La Crosse and Monroe, dedicating himself to the safety and well‑being of his community.
Dale was a gifted musician and vocalist, able to play several instruments, though the guitar—especially the bass guitar and pedal steel—was where his talent truly shone. He had a deep love for traditional country and bluegrass music and cherished the time spent with family, friends, and fellow musicians at local festivals. Dale carried a kind and gentle spirit, complemented by a playful, spirited sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him.
Dale was a faithful member of St. Paul. Ev. Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra of Tomah; children, Amy (Tom) Brieske, Andrew (Shephanie) Chroninger, Anita (Jeff) Fisher, and Stephanie Byrnes; grandchildren, Emily, Brieske, Krysta Chroninger, Nicole Brieske, Andrew Fisher, Nolan Niemann, Ncaylee Niemann, Brooke Brieske, Ava Fisher, Riley Byrnes and Logan Byrnes; siblings, David (Donna) Chroninger, Shari Knutson, and Daniel (Lorraine) Chroninger. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Lorraine; father-in-law and mother-in-law, LaVern and Bertha Bernhardt.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:30 AM at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah with a luncheon to follow. Pastor Mark Kahrs will officiate. A Private burial will be at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to the Hospice Touch-Serenity House and the St. Paul’s Tuition Offset Fund.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
