Obit: Zenter, Dale J. (1925 – 2007)
Poster: Crystal Wendt
Email: Post4LincolnCoWi@aol.com

Surnames: Zentner, Hulke, Moore, Semrow, Horath

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 31 Jan. 2007; page 10

---Zenter, Dale J. (23 Sept. 1925 – 28 Jan. 2007) Dale J. Zentner

Dale J. Zentner, 81, of Merrill, died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007, at his residence. Born in Merrill on Sept. 23, 1925, Dale was the son of the late Ralph and Emma Hulke Zentner. He married the love of his life, Audrey Moore, on March 30, 1946 in Merrill. She preceded him in death on Aug. 25, 1992.

Dale graduated from Merrill High School. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Merrill. Dale was a decorated World War II veteran serving in the Polar Bear Battalion in the Italian theater. Dale was cited for bravery and received the Purple Heart. He worked at Anson-Gilkey for many years. Dale also was a barber at Kunkel's Barber Shop. Later, Dale worked as purchasing agent at the House of Merrill, and then worked until his retirement at Semling-Menke. During retirement, Dale worked part-time at Merrill Millwork. Dale belonged to the Merrill Golf Club, sang in the Merrill Barbershoppers, played city league softball, and was a member of the Silver M Club. Family was the most important thing in Dale's life. Dale enjoyed coffee with his buddies and get-togethers with classmates and friends for lunch and bus trips. He loved hunting and fishing with his brother, sons, grandson and friends. Dale was the only one to get a deer this hunting season.

Surviving are his sons Dr. Tom (Lynn), Merrill; Jeff (Debra), Snohomish, Wash.; and Mike (Linda), Bloomington, Ill.; grandchildren Jonathon (Kristi) Zentner, Rachel (Curt) Semrow, and Zachary Zentner; great-grandchildren Jack and Ryan Zentner; and brother Dewey (June), Wausau. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey and brother Donald.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Merrill. Rev. James Horath will officiate. Burial will be in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery with full military honors provided by Merrill VFW Post 1638. Visitation will be Thursday evening, Feb. 1, 4-8 p.m., and again Friday morning from 9:30-11 a.m., all at the Waid Funeral Home, Merrill.