Dale John Piekarz

Dale John Piekarz, 82, Phoenix, Ariz., died Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Born May 6, 1944, in Cornell, the son of Julian and Ida Piekarz (Bosteder), of Gilman, Dale grew up living and working on his family’s farm in Polley, south of Gilman.

He attended Gilman High School, where he earned a reputation as both an excellent athlete and an excellent student. After graduating from high school in 1962, Dale attended college for one year, before returning home to work on the farm, after his father suffered a serious illness.

Dale married Delores Cukla, of Lublin, in 1965 (later divorced), and they had two children.

He went to work for Lake Superior District Power, in 1966/67, as a hydroelectric plant operator, at Big Falls Dam, near Ladysmith, where he worked for 18 years. During these years, he also worked part-time, for R& W Novelty Manufacturing Company, in Glen Flora, as a machine operator and shop foreman.

He and Delores also owned and operated the Village Market store in Glen Flora, from 1974 to 1977/78.

Dale returned to college in 1981, attending Mount Senario College, in Ladysmith, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree. During his last semester, Dale was recruited and accepted a position with Wausau Insurance Company, as a computer programmer.

He and Delores moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1986, where Dale worked for the City of Phoenix Water Services Department, for 14 years, before retiring.

Throughout his early and mid-life, Dale was an avid fisherman. The Flambeau and Yellow rivers, Lake Holcombe and Big Chetac, and Fireside (Little Rice) lakes were among his favorite waters. He also enjoyed squirrel and deer hunting in the fall, in Wisconsin, was an ardent reader and a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan.

He is survived by his loving children – Diohn Piekarz, Phoenix, Ariz., and Terry (Julie) Piekarz, Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren – Phillip Piekarz, Phoenix, Ariz., Michael Piekarz, La Crosse, and Jack Piekarz, Chicago, Ill.; nephew – Sonny (Shannon) Piekarz, Gilman; and nieces – Jessica (Paul) Wojcik, Gilman, and Shayla (Tim) Main, Gilman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Gerald Piekarz and Thomas Piekarz; and grandson – Aidan Piekarz.

Dale was dearly loved by his children and grandchildren. He was generous with his time and efforts, and loved his family above all else. Dale will always be remembered by those who had the honor of knowing and loving him, and he will be deeply missed.