Howard L. Dahnert

Howard Lawrence Dahnert, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2011, at Ridgewood Care Center, at the age of 92. Howard was born in Horicon, WI, on April 22, 1918, son of the late Ted and Anna (Nee: Giehne) Dahnert.

Howard was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist church and on June 22, 1940, at the church he was united in marriage to Winifred “Winnie” Ione Roest. Howard was employed as a beverage deliverer at Racine Beverage, owned and operated Howie’s Tropical Fish out of his basement as a hobby, was a pipe coverer, estimator, and part owner with Boll Industrial Roofing and Insulation of Milwaukee, retiring in 1983.

Boy Scouts of America was a significant factor in his life. He achieved Eagle Scout rank as part of Boy Scouts, and Quartermaster rank as part of Sea Scouts. He attended the first two National Boy Scout Jamborees and many others after that. He was particularly proud of his Sharpshooter and Master Marksman’s accomplishments. Howard continued in Scouting in many capacities through the Racine Chrome Dome Drum & Bugle Corps, Badgerland, Illinois Drum Corps Assoc., and Drum Corps International where he was recently inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame.

Howard enjoyed traveling with Winnie most of all, especially through Drum Corps trips, and with the Holiday Rambler Club. He was the past exalted ruler of Racine Elks Club, had a passion for “rock hounding” with the Racine Geological Society, and was also part of the Racine and Milwaukee County Civil Defense. When he was not volunteering his time for various organizations which he loved dearly, he loved bargain hunting. His happiest moments were celebrating wedding anniversaries and traveling to Hawaii with Winnie.

Survivors include his loving wife of seventy years, Winnie; his children, Janice Nelmark, Robert Dahnert, James (Cynthia) Dahnert; his grandchildren, Robert Nelmark, Tammy (Ruben) Mendoza, Daniel (Terri) Nelmark, Debra (Steve) Radwill, Wendy (Rob) Siegel, Matthew Dahnert (fiancé, Cammi), Jonathon Dahnert, Kimberly (Chris) James, Nicholas Dahnert, Lisa (Chris) Przekurat; his great-grandchildren, Christopher (Megan) Mendoza, Michael Nelmark, Brendon Mendoza, Abigail Radwill, Emmit Radwill, Ashley James, Isabella Radwill, Ethan Fabian, Owen Radwill, Emily Nelmark, Christopher Przekurat, Chasity James, Utah Radwill, Carson Siegel, Jasmine Przekurat, Missy Doepke, Nick Doepke, Ryan Dahnert, Caleb Dahnert; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Calvin Roest of Richmond, VA, Sue (Art) Webb of Rockford, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Arthur Siegel; and brother, Ted C. (Hazel) Dahnert.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 31, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 212 11th St., with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until 4  p.m. and Monday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Evangelical United Methodist Church or to the Racine Chrome Domes Drum Corps have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888