Dara D. (Day) Valade

Dara D. Valade, age 84, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Dara was born in Melvin, IL, on October 6, 1926, and had been a resident of Racine since 1966.

Mrs. Valade was united in marriage to William R. Valade in Kankakee, IL, on September 10, 1955. He preceded her in death on July 2, 1987. Also preceding her in death were her parents; sisters, Gayle Meyer and Wanda Day; and a granddaughter, Jessica LeRett.

The Valades along with their family owned and operated Beltone Hearing Aid Service of Racine and Kenosha since 1966. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Valade continued to develop and enhance the business until her retirement in 1998. The company is still held in family hands.

Mrs. Valade was actively involved in community and business organizations in Racine including the Racine Area Manufacture and Commerce and was chairman of the Chamber Division in 1997-1998. She also served on their Police and Fire Committee and as a Racine Area Ambassador. She served on the Board of Directors of the following civic or service organizations: Downtown Rotary Club, Racine United Way, Private Industry Council of Southeastern Wisconsin, Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility Community Relations Board, Crime Stoppers and the Sheriffs Citizen Advisory Board. Mrs. Valade was honored to be elected the first woman president of Northside Business and Professional Club. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and also Meadowbrook Country Club.

Survivors include her sons, John Leyendecker, Vance Valade and Mark Valade; her daughters, Valerie Klinkhammer and Julie (John) Dykstra; eight grandchildren; other relatives and many dear friends.

It was Mrs. Valade’s wish to hold private funeral services for her family, only. She cared dearly for her friends and business associates but wishes to be remembered as she was. Entombment will be held at Calvary Garden Crypts. Memorial remembrances can be made to the American Cancer Society.

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