Yorkville - Dale Erwin Jante passed away peacefully on July 12, 2019, at the age of 73 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease for over 30 years. He was born on September 19, 1945, to Donald and Marianne Jante in Burlington, Wisconsin.  He grew up on his parent's farm and attended Waites Corners School (one room schoolhouse) through 8 ^th grade.  He graduated in 1963 from Union High School in Union Grove where he excelled in football (all-conference team), basketball and other sports.  He loved 4-H and was active in the sheep project.  Dale graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater in 1967 with a BS in Accounting.  He met the love of his life, Ellen, while attending college.  They were married on August 26, 1967, and lived in Racine while Dale worked as a cost accountant at Walker Manufacturing.  He later worked at Twin Disc, Borg Manufacturing and Kevco.  In April 1968, Dale enlisted in the Army and was chosen for special training in artillery.  Dale and Ellen welcomed their first daughter, Kristin, while stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1968.  Five months later, Dale was sent to Vietnam to serve as a Spec 5 in the 101 ^st Airborne Artillery division.  Dale was proud to serve with the 101 ^st and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for his service to our country. He returned to the family land in Yorkville to resume civilian life in 1970.  Their second daughter, Laurie, was born there in 1972.  Dale became active in Yorkville United Methodist Church where he served in many leadership roles and loved singing in the choir.  He also served on the Racine County Fair Board as accountant for many years.  Dale loved golf, bowling, square dancing, woodworking and landscaping, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

In 1989, Dale was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 44. He and Ellen fought valiantly to find ways to help enrich life for Dale and the many people they helped by facilitating a Parkinson's support group.  They even appeared before the National Medicare Panel in Baltimore, MD to advocate for Medicare to pay for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for Parkinson's patients prompting the panel to approve the coverage immediately.  Dale was the first patient ever to appear before the National Medicare Panel.  Because of their efforts, many people have enjoyed improved lives after surgery, including Dale.

Dale spent the past 7 ½ years residing at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove. He participated in woodworking and choir during his time there, but his favorite activity was playing Sheepshead with a wonderful group of dedicated friends every Wednesday.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ellen; his beloved daughters, Kristin (Mark) Kruzicki of Green Bay, and Laurie (Scott) Henkel of Franklin; his grandchildren, Jacob, Kaitlyn, Alex and Emily Kruzicki and Nathaniel & Abigail Henkel. Also, his sisters, Diane (Fred) Schaejbe and Barb Oelke, and brother in law Gary (Bonnie) Reichert, as well as nieces and nephews and his faithful dog, Cody.  We would be remiss if we didn't mention Dale's loving faith family at Yorkville United Methodist Church.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home (especially Harmony & Ola) for their loving care and Dr. Blindauer and staff at Froedert Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at the Yorkville United Methodist Church from 2-4 pm. Funeral services will begin at 4 pm. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at the Yorkville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Yorkville United Methodist Church or The Wisconsin Parkinson's Association are appreciated.