Dale R. Mentink

Visitation: Held on December 19th, 2019 from 4-7PM at Heritage Funeral Home (9200 S. 27th st., Oak Creek)

Visitation: Held on December 20th, 2019 from 10-11am at Heritage Funeral Home (9200 S. 27th st., Oak Creek)

Service: Held on December 20st, 2019 at 11am at Heritage Funeral Home (9200 S. 27th st., Oak Creek)

Committal Service: Procession to Oak Grove Cemetery (1750 76th street, Village of Raymond)  held at noon on December 20st, 2019.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  –Psalm 23

Called home to be with his Lord on December 15, 2019 at the age of 82 years. I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Mr. Mentink was born in Racine, Wisconsin on October 10, 1937, to the late Mildred E. Biehn (Mentink-nee Klema) and the late Loyal W. Mentink.

Dale was baptized at the 2^nd Presbyterian Church in Racine, Wisconsin, later was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at the Paris Ev. Lutheran Church in Paris Township in Kenosha, County. When he returned home from the U.S. Navy, he joined the Trinity Lutheran Church in Raymond Township, Racine County where he met his loving wife. Since there wasn’t a minister at Trinity at the time of their wedding, Sally (A.K.A Shorty) Lorraine Estberg and Dale were married August 12^th, 1961 at the St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Oak Creek, WI., which they later joined and remained as members. Sally became ill and preceded Dale in death on February 19^th, 2004. While at Trinity Dale served as usher, treasurer, and chairman of the church council.

Attended grade schools at Burbank in Caledonia, Thomas Jefferson in Kenosha County and Paris Consolidated in Kenosha County. Also, a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

After graduating from Racine County Agricultural School in Rochester, Wis., Class of 1955, Dale entered the U.S. Navy and spent his entire tour of duty in the Far East, Hawaii and crossed the equator to Wellington, New Zealand aboard the USS Hassayampa AO145 as a Radarman. When he returned home in 1958 Dale started working at American Motors in Kenosha, WI., and farming with his stepfather on KR in Kenosha County.  After his marriage to Sally, Dale moved to the Town of Raymond where he and Sally bought her parents 40-acre farm, Sally always said, “She didn’t have to move. Dale did.” This is where Dale spent the rest of his life. Sally and Dale started the business of South Forty Antiques in 1978, renovating antique furniture for resale. Upon his retirement from American Motors (Chrysler) in 1988 they changed the business to Papa’s Country Furniture where Papa and Sally were happy designing and custom-building furniture. One year with the help of two employees they produced 100 oak tables. Dale also worked for Ace Hardware and True Value where he learned how to repair screens and windows, which he added to his business in his own shop.

Dale started his fire fighting career when he was in the U.S. Navy attending schools at Great Lakes, Pearl Harbor and trainings aboard ship. Joined the Raymond Volunteer Fire Department in May 1962 which later became Raymond Fire and Rescue Department. Certified in Firefighter One and Two. He served in many positions as Fire Marshall, Captain, Fire Investigator, Fire Inspector, First Responder, Fire Training officer, and 2^nd Asst. Fire Chief for over 23 years and retiring in May 2017 after 55 years of service. He also was a member of the Racine County Fire Chiefs Assoc., a charter member and past Lieutenant of the Racine County Fire Investigator Tash Force, Wisconsin State Fair Chiefs Association, Wisconsin Fire Inspector Association, International IAAI and Wisconsin IAAI Chapter 25, and adult member of the Explorers post 400.

Dale had enjoyed the Fire Department and serving the good citizens of the Town of Raymond for over half a century. He made many friends whom he classified as his second family and home. He is proud of every member on the fire department for doing an excellent job.

By the way, both daughters (Annette and Paulette), son-in-law (Bill) and grandson (Alex) joined the Raymond fire and Rescue Department. This made Papa very proud and happy to say, “We had three generations of the fire department.”

Dale was a recipient of the Town of Raymond Fire Department, “Champions of The Community” award five times, several “Above and Beyond” awards and Union Grove Chamber of Commerce “Pillar of The Community” award. Honored by the Raymond Town Board for 46 years of service, by the Racine County Fire Investigator Task Force for 25 years of service and also a Raymond’s 4^th of July Parade Marshall for 45 years of service. Honored by the Town of Raymond Fire and Rescue Department and Town of Raymond for 50 years of service in 2012.

Dale is proud of his family whom he leaves behind and those who preceded him in death. He loved his surviving two daughters, Annette Karen (Mark) Polasky of Raymond; Paulette Sue Seeley of Raymond; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, Kristen (Sharakita) Sumrall and children Declan Sumrall-Polasky, Darius Sanders, Jr., Elijah Owens; Alex Polasky (Lindi George) and children Asher Polasky, Andon Collum, Alivia George, Ramsey George; Melissa Polasky (Patrick Brazelton) and children Colson; Nicholas (Christina) Seeley and daughter Lorelai Seeley; eight step-grandchildren; thirteen step-grandchildren; three step great-great grandchildren. Step brother Earl (Coralyn) Klema, New Port Richey, FL.; half-brother Darrel Mentink, Iola, WI., many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by his wife of 42 ½ years, Sally (2004), parents and in-laws, brothers Wayne O. Mentink Sr. (2013) and Pastor Lee R. Mentink (2019), niece Cindy Mentink (1956), nephew Mark Mentink (1975), nephew Darrel Mentink Jr. (1991), son-in-law Bill Seeley (2015), sister-in-law’s Eleanor Mentink (2018), Helen Mentink (1995), Judy Mentink (2010), Donna Mentink (2016) and his Border Collie buddy, “Dog” (2019).

Visitation will take place at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME (9200 S. 27^th St. Oak Creek) on December 19^th, 2019 from 4 to 7PM and on Friday, December 20^th, from 10AM until the time of service at 11AM. The Rev Dale Reckzin officiating. Interment to follow in the shade of the old oak tree next to his wife at Oak Grove Cemetery in the Village of Raymond. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Oak Creek, WI., and to the Raymond Fire and Rescue Association.