MONTICELLO - Dale Clark Thorp , age 94 of Monticello, formerly of Monroe, died Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Harbor House in Monroe. Dale was born February 18, 1916 to Walter Clark Thorp and Emma Mae Bennett in Fayette County, Iowa. He married Myrtle Ann Merrick on June 9, 1945 in Janesville. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past June.
Dale grew up near Lima, Iowa during the depression. While he lived during the hard years, he also was fortunate to see many changes during his 94 years of life. He traveled to many different places and almost all the states. Hawaii was his favorite! He always talked of visiting Australia, but had to settle for seeing it through the eyes of his grand-son-in-law, Thomo, who is a native. At age 92 Dale attended his granddaughter Tiffany's wedding which was held in Jamaica. Dale loved to travel to Iowa to visit his cousins and to Alabama and Oklahoma to visit his sister.
Throughout the years he worked at a Wisconsin Dells golf course, Oscar Meyer in Madison, Parker Pen, Roper in Rockford, summer help on various Minnesota and North Dakota farms, Jaeggi Cheese Factory, and most recently the Washington Township Landfill.
Most of his married life he farmed in Jefferson Township, south of Twin Grove. He loved his wife dearly and was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, reading, traveling, golfing, and watching sports, especially the Badgers and Packers. In later life he enjoyed walking in the woods with his faithful companion, Shania (the neighbor dog who won his heart), Myrtle's flower beds, and sitting on the front porch admiring the green grass.
Dale is survived by his wife, Myrtle Thorp of Monticello; twin sons, Lyle (Patsy) Thorp of Reedsburg, and Lester (Cher) Thorp of Cottage Grove; two daughters, Sharon (Ralph) Nafzger of Monticello, and Lynn Smith of Columbus; 12 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Phyllis Irene Patterson of Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a stillborn son, Dale Jr.; and his brother-in-law, Murray Patterson.
There will be no visitation or services held. Memorials may be given in Dale's name to Monroe Clinic Hospice or Grace Church in New Glarus. To send a condolence to the family go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.
Dale grew up near Lima, Iowa during the depression. While he lived during the hard years, he also was fortunate to see many changes during his 94 years of life. He traveled to many different places and almost all the states. Hawaii was his favorite! He always talked of visiting Australia, but had to settle for seeing it through the eyes of his grand-son-in-law, Thomo, who is a native. At age 92 Dale attended his granddaughter Tiffany's wedding which was held in Jamaica. Dale loved to travel to Iowa to visit his cousins and to Alabama and Oklahoma to visit his sister.
Throughout the years he worked at a Wisconsin Dells golf course, Oscar Meyer in Madison, Parker Pen, Roper in Rockford, summer help on various Minnesota and North Dakota farms, Jaeggi Cheese Factory, and most recently the Washington Township Landfill.
Most of his married life he farmed in Jefferson Township, south of Twin Grove. He loved his wife dearly and was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved Harley Davidson motorcycles, reading, traveling, golfing, and watching sports, especially the Badgers and Packers. In later life he enjoyed walking in the woods with his faithful companion, Shania (the neighbor dog who won his heart), Myrtle's flower beds, and sitting on the front porch admiring the green grass.
Dale is survived by his wife, Myrtle Thorp of Monticello; twin sons, Lyle (Patsy) Thorp of Reedsburg, and Lester (Cher) Thorp of Cottage Grove; two daughters, Sharon (Ralph) Nafzger of Monticello, and Lynn Smith of Columbus; 12 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Phyllis Irene Patterson of Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a stillborn son, Dale Jr.; and his brother-in-law, Murray Patterson.
There will be no visitation or services held. Memorials may be given in Dale's name to Monroe Clinic Hospice or Grace Church in New Glarus. To send a condolence to the family go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.