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Dale Schlapper Obituary
Dale Schlapper, 71, passed away on January 3, 2025, at his home in Tucson, Arizona. He was born on October 21, 1953, to Raymond and Mavis Schlapper. He grew up in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, and graduated from Spooner High School in 1972. Upon graduation, he worked as a trackman for Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and left in 1979 to pursue his lifelong career at Auto Glass Specialists/Safelite Glass. In addition to his "day" job, he, along with his two brothers, formed Sawyer Brook Farms. When not in a John Deere tractor or a John Deere combine, Dale could be found tending his garden and mowing his lawn on a John Deere lawnmower.
He was an avid fisherman, taking his family on may trips to Canada and Minnesota. His true passion was being a drummer, having played with several bands starting at the age of sixteen, most notably Sir Richard and the Knights and later, Outlawed.
He was a Special Olympics coach for many years, which gave him so much joy in seeing "his" athletes' accomplishments.
In 1980 he married his wife, Jody, of nearly 45 years. They lived in Shell Lake year-around until 2016, when Jody retired. They wintered in Tucson, where Dale enjoyed the sunny weather, golfing every day and no lawns to mow. In 2023, they made a permanent move to Tucson as Dale's health began to fail.
He is survived by his wife, Jody, Sons, Christopher (Tatum) and Craig (Nicole) from Hayward, his daughter, Dana (Justin) Klobertanz of Spooner. 6 Grandsons Jace, Cade, Kyler and Layke, all of Hayward, Miles and Sterling Hoffman from Shell Lake and Granddaughter, Morgan Hoffman, also of Shell Lake. Two brothers, Richard (Deb) Schlapper, Shell Lake, and Donn (Jill) Schlapper of Spooner.
Greeting him in heaven are his parents, Raymond and Mavis Schlapper, his in-laws, Howard and Jackie Smith, twin Grandsons Drew and Dayne Schlapper, his nephew, Matthew Schlapper, and his three best dogs, Winston, Monty and Mercy.
His wishes are to have a Celebration of Life in Wisconsin after the snow melts and the temperatures are above 60.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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