NORWALK - Dale R. Donskey, 76, of Norwalk, died Monday, August 8, 2022 at his home. He was born on March 15, 1946 on his family farm in the town of Ridgeville. He grew up there and graduated from Sparta High School in 1964.
Dale married Clarice Schmitz on June 15, 1974 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta. They lived in Sparta and farmed for 10 years on the Cecil Meyer’s farm. They moved back to the family farm in 1983. He “retired” in 2017, when he sold the farm to his son, Kevin. He continued to help on the farm wherever it was needed.
Dale was a dedicated farmer. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
Dale is survived by his wife, Clarice of Norwalk; children, Todd (Kasey Swisher) Donskey of San Diego, CA, Kevin Donskey of Norwalk, Tammy (Sarah Foltz) Donskey of Rich Hill, MO, Kristine (Andrew) Gerke of Tomah, Amanda (Kevin) Schmitz of Sparta, Sara (Jake Miller) Donskey of Cashton; 7 grandchildren, Jacob, Adeline, Bryce, Rhett, Caleb, Aubrey, and Case; siblings, Darlene (Lawrence) O’Neil of Wisconsin Rapids, Joyce (Richard) Schroeder of La Crosse, Jean (Robert) Oswald of Sparta, Jane (Bruce) Raymer of Sparta, Chreyl (Jim) Bettis of Sparta, and Lori (Mike) Wildeck of Schofield; brothers-in-law, Richard Tracy of West Salem, Tom Garves of Bangor, David (Barb) Schmitz, Jeff (Carol) Schmitz, Jeff Leis, John (Michelle) Schmitz, Steve (Lori) Schmitz, Randy (Sherry) Schmitz, and Jerry Schmitz; sisters-in-law, Judy Frederick, Kathy (Carl) Sagler, Linda (Richard) Hansen, Jeanie Stark, Sharon (Paul) Brueggen, and Carolyn (Joe) Hansen; aunts, Berdella Butzler of Sparta, Helen Summerfield of Sparta, Connie Lewis of Texas, Bertha Geier of Sparta, and Karen Geier of La Crosse; uncle, Larry Peth of Tomah; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Adeline; sisters, Janice Garves and Carol Tracy; in-laws, Albert and Luella Schmitz; brothers-in-law, David Stark and David Frederick; and sisters-in-law, Jackie Schmitz and Cindy Leis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Summit Ridge, with father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. There will be a 5 p.m. rosary on Friday at the funeral home.
Visitation will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhofer.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
