Ernest Dahlke

Mr. Ernest A. Dahlke, long time resident of Saratoga, passed away August 29, 2011 at his home in Casper after a brief illness. Graveside services are scheduled for Friday, September 2, 2011 at 3:00 PM at the Saratoga Cemetery, Saratoga, Wyoming, with Reverend Marvin Tenne officiating. Ernest was born in Polar, Wisconsin to Louis John and Lillian Harriet Dahlke on October 23, 1925. He was born the seventh of nine children; 8 sons and 1 daughter. In 1942 he joined the United States Navy and served as a gunner's mate in the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. On July 20, 1944, he married the love of his life, Betty Moore. After the war they went home to Wisconsin. In 1953, with their four children, they moved to Wyoming to work in the logging industry. They made their home in several different Wyoming cities, including Saratoga, where they owned and operated the Corral Drive Inn for several years. They moved to Hanna where he became a coal miner. He loved running the draglines. He retired in 1988. He then became a consultant for Bucyrus Erie for five years, where he traveled to Australia and Canada, among other places. He then retired full time. They then spent their summers in Wyoming and winters in Arizona. He loved his family very much and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Betty, five children, Marie Allen (Gary), Paul Dahlke (Paula) Debra Dahlke, Robert Dahlke (Jody) and William Dahlke (Margaret). Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Art Dahlke and Harvey Dahlke. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Dahlke, 5 brothers, Arnold, John Herb, Ben and Bill and his sister, Norma Jaglo. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to send donations to the U.S. Veterans help services of your choice. Cremation has been held.