Denis Robert Dalke

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Denis R. Dalke. He died peacefully at his home on Thurs., Jan. 5, 2012 at the age of 73 with his family by his side. He fought a courageous battle with cancer.
Denis was born in Tracy, MN to Victor L. Dalke and Dorothy E. (Krueger) Dalke, the second son of five children. The family moved to Prescott, AZ when Denis was three years of age. He attended St. Joseph's Academy, graduating in 1956. He became a sheet metal journeyman in 1962. He worked for various heating and air conditioning companies over the years, Glau Gas Co, HAVCO, Adobe Air, Temp Control and Yavapai Plumbing & Electrical. He retired from YPE in 2006.
He had many varied interests during his life time. He taught hunter education safety to many youths and adults in Yavapai county. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Sheet Metal Workers of America and was a member and a chief of the Smoki People. If something was broken or would not work, he was always able to get it repaired. He was innovative and gifted in plying his trade. He loved to fish and especially hunt. He was always looking foreward to the next hunting season.
Denis is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon and his three children: Denise (Manuel) Heredia of Prescott Valley, Grant Dalke of Mesa and Camille (Scott) Johnson of Tucson. Three grandchildren, Trevor, Simon & Delilah Johnson. He is also survived by brothers Carter Dalke, Sun Valley, NV, Vincent Dalke of Prescott, sisters Catherine Hartin, Apache Junction, and Rita Crawford, Tempe, plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by an infant son, Drew and his parents.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Hospice Family Care, 100 Sheldon St., Prescott, AZ 86301.A funeral mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, Flurry Ave., on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 at 11:00am.