TOMAH- Darwin “Dip” Dade, age 96, of Tomah, WI, passed away on December 16, 2024, in Tomah, WI, at the Tomah VA Hospital. Born on January 17, 1928, in Delavan, WI, to Charles and Ethlyn (Jones) Dade.
Dip’s early life in Wisconsin set the stage for a lifetime of achievement. After a spirited childhood in Delavan, he found his calling in athletics and academics. A proud 1958 graduate of Milton College, he not only excelled academically but also left an indelible mark on the college’s sports history. Dip lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, and his remarkable athletic prowess was recognized with the prestigious Sayre Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a college athlete.
Dip’s love for baseball continued as he played for the Chicago Cubs minor league baseball team for three years. Even after his professional playing days, he remained deeply involved in the sport, coaching baseball for an incredible 62 years. He proudly coached for Tomah High School where he never had a losing season and Sevastopol High School. His passion for the game and his ability to inspire young players were hallmarks of his long and successful tenure on the diamond.
His love story with Geraldine Rich began in the city of Janesville, WI, where the couple united in marriage on July 11, 1953. Together, they embarked on a journey of love, partnership, and family, welcoming their son Charles and daughter Terre into the world.
Dip’s commitment to his country was as steadfast as his commitment to his family. He served in the United States Army with distinction, spending 11 arduous months on the front line in Korea. His bravery was notable, as he was one of only six soldiers who were neither killed nor wounded out of his 90-man unit. This experience shaped the courageous and resilient man he would continue to be throughout his life. Dip was a dedicated member of the American Legion and VFW where he was also a member of the honor guard.
After his military service, Dip dedicated 33 years to teaching school, where he also coached all sports. His impact as an educator and coach was immeasurable, as he not only taught his students the fundamentals of academics but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. He taught, Conservation, Earth Science and Geography. His storied coaching career earned him a place in the Wisconsin Coaches Hall of Fame, a testament to his profound influence on generations of athletes.
Dip worked in the summers with the city maintenance department and took care of all the school grounds where he helped build 13 ball diamonds. His dedication and countless hours of work were honored by naming the latest ball diamonds at La Grange school after him.
As we bid farewell to Darwin “Dip” Dade, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, marked by love, courage, and an unwavering zest for life. Dip was always up for conversation and socializing; he made a friend wherever he went.
He is survived by his children, Chuck Dade and Terre Armstrong, grandchildren, Justin (Renee) Dade, Meghan (Trevor) Cass, Alicia (Dan) Suessmith, Nick (Katie) Von Haden, Amelia Von Haden; step grandchild, Cassandra Armstrong; and great grandchildren, Cohen Suessmith, Grayson Suessmith, Caleb Dade, and Willa Suessmith, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Geraldine, his son-in-law, Ken Armstrong, siblings, William, Mardell, Patricia, Shirley and Charlotte.
A Celebration of Dip’s life will be held Monday, December 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Tomah VFW Post #1382 will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Tomah, Wisconsin. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
