Walter “Joe” Joseph Dahlquist, Sr.

Walter “Joe” Joseph Dahlquist Sr., age 88, of Rhinelander, died on August 13, 2024, at the Howard Young Medical Center surrounded by three generations of his family. He was born on August 29, 1935, in Marinette, the son of John Lewis Jr. and Sarah (Bujold) Dahlquist.

In 1949, Walter’s family moved to the Rhinelander area, and he attended schools there. He graduated Rhinelander High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation Walter joined the United States Coast Guard and proudly served from 1956 to 1960.

During his time in the Coast Guard, he met and married Shirley Denham on March 15, 1959. They shared over 65 wonderful years of marriage together.

Joe owned and operated Dahlquist Propane & Appliances, a business that he and Shirley grew together over there 40+ years in business. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and making new friends. He especially loved time spent with his family and traveling around the world with them.

Joe is survived by his wife Shirley, his children Walter (Mary) Dahlquist Jr., Steve (Des) Dahlquist, Jill (Dave) Funck, and Stacy Wachal, his grandchildren Michelle (Chad) Arrowood, Walter (Tiffany) Dahlquist III, Nick (Ashley Robinson) Dahlquist, Brandyn (Madison) Dahlquist, Jayson Dahlquist, Cole Funck, Sarah Funck, Alicia (Steve Shelly) Wachal, and Olivia (Riley) Wachal, his great-grandchildren Brock, Drayke, Dominic, Mason, Alaina, Walter IV, Taylor, Brayden, Bridger, Deekin, Gracie, Ava, Jack, Nolan, and Wyatt, other family and friends.

Over the years, Joe & Shirley hosted many foreign exchange students. They enjoyed sharing their life and home with others and kept in contact with them through the years. His bonus daughter whom he loved dearly, Corinne Crausaz - Switzerland, Bjorn Lodding - Norway, Manuel Rodriguez -France, Philip Spale – Switzerland, Alain Pelletier – Canada, Frederico & Candlrio – Mexico. They also hosted their Swim kids, Karen & Chris Burton. Our family would like to thank the 3rd floor nursing staff at Howard Young for their wonderful care during our time with them.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Northwoods Veterans Homestead, Rhinelander.

A memorial service will be held for Joe at 11 a.m. on Monday August 26, 2024 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rhinelander with Reverend Dale Bishop officiating. A visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the time of service, with interment immediately following the service at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw. You may leave your private condolences for the Dahlquist family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the family.