Valerie Dahlke

Valerie Dahlke, age 76, passed away at home on Monday, February 3, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends.

Val was born to Mathis “Matt” and Virginia “Ginny” Gassen on August 29, 1948. She came into this world a fighter as she was born very premature. She attended St. Mary Catholic School until the 8th grade, and then graduated from Neillsville High School. She was “Miss Neillsville” in 1966. During this time, she met the love of her life, Billy J. Dahlke. They married on April 15, 1967. Through the years, Val had many occupations like working in a cheese factory, cooking in 2 different bars, which she owned with her husband, Bill, and Christmas Around the World/House of Lloyd, for which she traveled around the world. Her most important job, however, was as a mother to her two girls, Chris and Dawn, and then, later in life, to Chelsie and Eric and so many more. Many more people called her “Ma Val” or “Momma Val” than she was related to, and she carried those titles with honor.

She is survived by her daughters, Chris and Dawn Dahlke, both of Granton, WI, Godchildren, Eric Pasciak of Granton, WI, and Angela Gassen of MN. An “adopted daughter”, Chelsie Gildenzopf of Granton, WI, brothers, John (Leiko) Gassen of Neillsville, WI, and Greg (Barb) Gassen of Beaver Dam, WI, 8 nieces and 7 nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. Girls she viewed as her “grandchildren” were: Brittanee Roehl, Brianna Roehl, Morgan Gurney, and Charlotte Kehl. Val also had many close family friends, and she will be truly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death the love of her life, Billy Dahlke, her parents, Matt & Virginia Gassen, her in-laws, Hank and Adeline Dahlke, Godson, Jake Gassen, niece, Renee Merkel, brothers-in-law, Jim and Bob Dahlke, and many close family and friends.

A Memorial Service for Val will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Karen Sparling will officiate the service. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22nd at the Gesche Funeral Home. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Granton Community Center, 315 Maple Street, Granton, WI 54436.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Pete Winistorfer, Ross Roehl, Bob Barth, Chris Gassen, Jesse Gassen and Mike Smith Jr.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Val’s family with funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.