Dale Robert Jefferson
Dale Robert Jefferson, 82, of Sun Lakes, AZ, formerly of Arkdale, WI, passed away February 16, 2021 at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, AZ, due to complications related to covid.
Dale was born on September 9, 1938, to John and Mary (Juriga) Jefferson, in Racine, Wisconsin. The family spent several years in Rockford, IL, before returning home to Adams County and the farm near Arkdale. Dale graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1956 and completed UW-Madison’s Agriculture Short Course program before returning to the farm.
In 1960, he married Eileen Roberts Kelly, becoming step-father to her two children, Don and Chris. They had one son, John, before Eileen passed away. In 1966, he married Judy Wendt and they had two sons, Mark and Larry. In 1986, he left Arkdale and lived in Arizona for over 30 years.
After moving south, Dale still enjoyed spending summers at the farm in Wisconsin, along with visiting family and friends throughout the area. He was gregarious and it didn’t matter if you were a friend or a stranger, he was always happy to swap tall tales, talk politics or volunteer advice.
His wife, Judy, passed away in January. He is survived by sons John (Carol) of Arkdale, Mark (Heather) of Edgerton, and Larry (Kristen) of Colleyville, TX; step-children Don (Bonnie) Kelly of Adams and Chris (Jim) Langer, of Friendship; brothers and sisters-in-law Phil and Jeanette Ruck of Waupun, Joan Wendt of Fond du Lac, Ken Wendt of Fond du Lac, Beverly Friess of North Fond du Lac, Steve and Diane Strupp of Oakfield, and Betty Jameson of Arkdale; two grandchildren, Christopher (Amber) of Adams, and Morgan of Colleyville, TX; great-grandchildren Jacob and Bella, and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Arden Wendt, Gary Friess, and John Jameson, and sister-in-law Jean Wendt.
Interment will be at Monroe Cemetery, in Adams County.
We really enjoyed Dale and Judy the past few years as our neighbors. They will always be remembered.
Blessings.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all Dale will be missed by everyone that knew him. Dale had a big heart and was kind anyone that needed help he would lend a hand he loved his family and friends. God Bless R.I.P Dale
So sorry for your loss.
To the Jefferson family, Sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincere condolences sent your way.
Dales Family, So very sorry for your loss. Dale was a great friend and neighbor. He and I shared lots of stories . I remember his farming skills and working with him at Roberts Motors. A super guy that I was proud to call a Friend. God Bless
Our sincere sympathy to the families. We have many good memories from years gone by.
Dale & Judy’s Family; Don, Chris, John Mark & Larry,
It seems the world keeps loosing so many wonderful people & Dale & Judy were among them. They both were friends from way back. Always enjoyed our visits with them. Sending peace, sympathy & blessings to all of you. May they R.I.P.
Sympathy to you all on Dale’s passing.
John & Carol, Mark, Larry and families, it saddens me to hear the passing of your dad. It is difficult to lose both parents so close together but I hope knowing that your mom and dad are united again helps ease your sorrow. I have such fond memories of their time here as our families grew up, and all of their summer visits after they moved. Talking of them often, keeping them in your memories will help keep their legacy for their grandchildren and generations to come. May the Great Spirit above, along with our Heavenly Father give you comfort and hold all of you ever so close. Kay
Our deepest sympathy to Dale’s family at this sad time; thinking of you all.
I’m so sorry to hear of Dale’s death. Two former neighbors gone so close together.
Sincere sympathy to their family. May God bless your memories.
So sorry to hear of Dale passing away. He was such fun coming in to see me at Family Affaur where I work. He and I remember the good days. He was such a wonderful friend. God Bless Him always.
to John, Mark, and Larry my heartfelt condolences go out to you, your dad was a great guy and a great neighbor to my mom, cherish the memories that you have of him, keeping him close to your heart, God Bless all of you
Dale’s Family,
So sorry for your loss. Keep the happy memories close.
They say you cant pick your family but you can pick your friends. Well I was lucky on both counts but I was especially lucky when Dale and Judy picked me to be in their circle of friends and I certainly cherish their last summer they spent in Arkdale and all the lunches roadtrips and visits we went on which always ended with ice cream. My last letter was a sympathy card with hopes of his return this summer, May it be some consolation to the family to know how proud and how much he loved you it was all he talked about when he wasn’t talking politics. God bless you RIP Dale and Judy