Kenneth "Ken" James Dahlke, age 69 of Markesan, WI passed away unexpectedly at Ripon Medical Center surrounded by his family due to aneurisms to his Aorta which were unrepairable.

Visitation for Ken will be held at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St., Markesan on Thursday, May 21 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and also on Friday, May 22 at Cornerstone from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Please practice social distancing. During the visitation, a line outside will extend from Cornerstone towards the South Main Street bridge.

Immediately following the visitation on Friday, a funeral service for Ken will be held at Hein Park in Markesan. Seating will not be provided at the park, so please bring your own lawn chair and maintain social distancing. Burial will take place at Mackford Union Cemetery.

He was the second of three sons born on February 27, 1951 to Lewis and Ruth (Stacey) Dahlke. As a young boy he was active in 4H and working on the family farm which consumed most of his time. He was very proud to be a graduate of Markesan High School class of 1969. He looked forward to planning and socializing at the class reunions. Last summer they celebrated their 50 ^th .

On March 4, 1972, he married the love of his life Karen Lieske at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater, WI where he became an active member. He participated on church council and has been head usher for over 20 years. Their marriage was blessed with three children and five grandchildren that he loved dearly and was very proud of. He was a very important part of their lives, and they will all miss him dearly.

For over 30 years they farmed side by side. Ken always said their best conversations were out in the barn. Traveling wasn't Ken's thing, so they spent recreational time on softball and bowling leagues, along with their card club where they made lifelong friends.  He had a magnetism about him that many people were drawn to especially his story telling and humor.

They moved to the city of Markesan in 2001 after selling the family farm to their son. He went to work for Laper's Fairwater Garage in the bus department. He drove many different routes and sporting events in his 22 years of employment. He loved it when his grandchildren were on the bus. He was an avid Markesan Hornet sports fan, especially when his grandkids were involved. Everyone joked about him pacing the sidelines.

If he wasn't busy driving bus or at a sporting event, you'd find him at the farm. Even though farming was changing faster than he liked, his son helped him learn the new technology on the equipment.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Karen of Markesan; one son, Keenan Dahlke and two daughters, Kim (Corey) Hunter and Kami (Ryan) Jahnke, all of Markesan; grandchildren, Carter (Abigail), Connor (Bailey) and Karigan Hunter; Klaire and Raelyn Jahnke; brother, Gerald (Mary) Dahlke of Vancouver, WA; sisters-in-law, Ann Dahlke of Bella Vista, AR, Sandy (DuWayne) Jahnke and Arlinda Lieske of Markesan; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Julius and Sylvia Lieske; brother, Ron Dahlke and brother in-law, Jerry Lieske.

Watch Ken's Life Tribute Video

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.