Dale Fredrick Heise

It is with heavy hearts; we share the passing of Dale Heise.  Dale was a husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and a friend to everyone he met.  There’s not a person that doesn’t say, “I remember Dale Heise.” And then proceed to share a memory and story to go along with it.

Dale F. Heise, 86, of Wausau, passed away on November 25^th, 2023, at Aspirus Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born on August 25^th, 1937, in Wausau, to Elmer and Evelyn (Mielke) Heise.  He attended schools in Wausau: Woodland Dale School, Horace Mann Junior High School and Wausau Senior High, and served in the Army National Guard from 1955 to 1963 during the Berlin Crisis receiving SP5 rank.  On April 25^th, 1964, he married Patricia Schumacher, who survives, in Wausau, where they made their home. 

Dale worked at Cloverbelt Coop for 25 years.  In 1982, he began his career as a business owner and started several businesses over the years: Marathon Feed Inc., Custom Meats of Marathon, and Marathon Town & Country.  Dale’s passion has always been business.  He loved people, he loved his customers, he loved making a deal, he loved agriculture, he loved his ginseng sales, he loved being part of a team to bring success to all and he loved the Purina Checkerboard.  Dale continued working until his last days because it was truly what he loved.

He served on many boards and volunteered throughout his career:  Marathon State Bank, Wisconsin Feed Dealers Association, Wisconsin Lime Association, IDO Feed & Supply Corp, Purina Mills Advisory Dealers, Tri-County Dealers, Marathon County PPA, Dairyland State Academy which eventually became NTC’s Ag Center of Excellence,  Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, Marathon County Ag Society in which he helped develop the Market Animal Show & Sale of Marathon County, June Dairy Breakfasts, FFA and 4H Clubs and served his church St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. 

He was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, Long & Bass Lake Association, and a longtime member of the Maine Lions.

Dale loved going up north to Harrison Hills, where he made his home in retirement. Some of his favorite things to do included fishing, golfing, bowling, traveling, playing cards, listening to polkas, watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Nascar.  Dale always had a Golden Retriever by his side throughout the years.  Rusty, his trusty companion, will miss him dearly.    

Dale’s legacy will be remembered as a kind, respected businessman with great stature, his distinct deep voice and his big giggle, his willingness to always give everyone a chance, his word and a handshake to seal any deal.  He left a lasting impression with everyone he met. He was indeed a special man that lived a wonderful life.

Dale was very proud that his businesses were family owned and continue to be operated by his family.  He loved his family very much.  Dale and Pat have three children:  Tom (Laura Baur) Heise, Todd (Christine) Heise, and Terri (Jason) Heise-Sturm.  Grandchildren:  Logan Heise, Brayden and Sydney Sturm. He is further survived by his brother, Gene Heise, FL and Gleason; his sister, Judy Steinagel, Merrill; along with nieces, nephews and many dear lifelong friends.  

He is predeceased by his parents; brother and his wife, Roger and Phyllis Heise; sister and her husband, Lois and Lou Kainz; and brother-in-law, Merlin Steinagel. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 7^th, 2023, at Noon at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ at 426 Washington Street, Wausau, WI.  Visitation for family and friends is from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.   Reverend Dr. Philip C. Schneider will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be given to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.

The family wishes to thank the medical staff and his family and friends that helped with Dale’s care. 

Dale was loved by so many, and we will miss him dearly.