Dale E. Kirchman

Dale Edward Kirchman, age 94 had his prayers answered and went to his place in heaven on Saturday, August 19, 2023. He was a resident for the past 16 months at Helping Hearts Assisted Living, Luxemburg.

Dale was born September 17, 1928, in Green Bay to Edward and Irma (Schneider) Kirchman. He was baptized and confirmed his Christian faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rankin. He was a 1946 graduate of Algoma High School.

In his early years Dale played with various polka bands beginning with Myron Naze, then the Russ Zimmerman Orchestra, a band which he managed for two years while Russ served in the military. Also with Gordon Reckelberg, Joe Karman and others.

Dale married his sweetheart, Betty Kaye on October 1, 1955, at the parsonage of St. John’s, Rankin. He took his new bride on a two-week honeymoon to the west coast. They enjoyed many travels with friends and on bus trips, including Hawaii and Mexico.

Dale was a farmer all his life, beginning on his parents farm in Rio Creek, then moving his family to Casco in 1966. After retiring from farming, he worked as a night cleaner at ICS Cutting Tools in Casco for 14 years. He served on the Cemetery Committee at St. John’s and was also a director at the Rio Creek Cheese Co. Dale loved to play his electric keyboard or the piano nearly every night for relaxation, always songs he knew by heart. He also played the clarinet and saxophone. Dale had many memories of the Rio Creek area, growing up by the railroad tracks and Gaulke’s store and dance hall.

Dale is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Betty along with their daughter and son in-law, Kathy and Glen Smith, Casco. Also survived by nieces Sandi Walch and Nancy Owen, and nephew Tom Wians. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Janice and Mel Wians.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 9:00 – 11:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Rankin. The funeral service is at 11 am., officiated by the Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson. Burial at the Evergreen Cemetery, Algoma. Kinnard Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

We would like to thank the staff at Helping Hearts Assisted Living and Unity Hospice for the compassionate care provided for Dale.

Dale was a humble, friendly person who always had a smile. He loved polka music and was always dedicated to his church home.