Dale Reese, age 90, New London, passed away Tuesday June 30, 2015, after a brief stay at St. Joseph Residence.
Dale was born May 2, 1925, son of the late Walter and Viola (Krohn) Reese. He graduated from Washington High School in 1943. He served in the US Coast Guard in WWII for three years, aboard the USS Samuel Chase and participated in the D-Day invasion on Omaha Beach in Southern France. On June 5, 1948, he married Ruth Laughlin at the First Congregation United Church of Christ, New London. She preceded him in death in 2014; they were married 66 years. Ruth and Dale built their own home together and took great pride in their lawn. He was a mail carrier for five years and a contractor for Wisconsin Telephone Company before becoming self-employed as a sign painter. He co-founded Highway Truck Parts, New London, retiring at age 52; for many years after he was a skilled picture framer. He was a 63 year member of the American Legion Post 263, and was a professional musician who played in many local bands including Tony Winters Band for 13 years. Dale was an avid Packer fan and held Packer season tickets since 1957; he also followed the Brewers and Badgers.
Dale is survived by his children, Alan Reese and Tracie (Brian) Kramer; grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Reese, Molly (Kate) Reese-Lerner, Michael Reese and Jason Reese; sister, Jan Wilkinson, New London; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Phyllis Laughlin, New London, and sister-in-law, Alice Roehl. He is also survived by grand kitties, Frenchi, Frankie and Nellie, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Besides his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Bob Wilkinson, brother and sister-in-law, Bob (Christine) Laughlin.
A funeral service for Dale will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 6, 2015 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London, with Rev. Greg Watling officiating. Family and friends may call directly at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery, New London.
The family would like to thank the staff at Washington Center and St Joseph Residence for their care and concern of Dale.