Joyce Dahlke

of Waukesha, joined her beloved husband in eternal rest on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Virginia Health and Rehab. Center at the age of 84.  She was born on January 29, 1925 in Granada, MN, the daughter of A.J. and Grace (nee:  Knight) Hodgman.  In 1944 Jo met a tall, handsome marine on a bus at Mankato State Teachers College.  When Jo asked if the seat was saved, Floyd Dahlke replied, “Yes, for you”.  The romance began and they married soon after on August 19, 1944 in Quantico, VA.  While raising 3 strong, independent children who never doubted their mothers love, Jo was also a full time working mother.  She organized a square dance club in Arizona and was a TV weather reporter in Iowa.  Jo worked in real estate and at the County Agricultural Office in Missouri, where she was also a founding member of the First Lutheran Church in town.  She led the choir and held rehearsals in her home.  She helped manage her sons little league baseball teams and became active in the Republican Party and community affairs.  In 1963 the family moved to Waukesha and Jo remained active in the Republican Party and served in the Waukesha County Republican office for many years.  Jo was also an active member of the Waukesha Ladies Elks and a member of St. Mark’s Ev. Lutheran Church.  Jo has seen many of her friends pass on while her own health deteriorated.  The family would like to thank her dear friends and all who have helped with her care.  She is survived by her children:  Lea Ann (Kevin) Strand of Seattle, WA; Steven Dahlke of Milwaukee and Jim Dahlke of West Olive, MI, granddaughter:  Mari (Steve) Cary, Casey Strand, Courtney Strand, Jaime (Geoff) Mason and Tracie Dahlke.  She is further survived by 2 great-grandchildren, sister Beryle Haugen of Fairmont, MN, other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Dahlke on March 1, 1996, brother Jack and sister Doris Peterson.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 4:00 pm until the 5:00 pm Memorial Service at Randle-Dable Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha, WI.  Rev. James Holmberg will preside.  Inurnment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery.  Memorials in Jo’s name are appreciated to St. Mark Ev. Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha  53188.  For further information, please call Randle-Dable Funeral, Cremation and Preplanning Services at (262) 547-4035, or go to www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave an on-line tribute.