Hartford, WI – Walter John Dais, “Wally,” age 84, of Hartford, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa, WI, surrounded by his loving family.
Wally was born October 10, 1937, in Rubicon, WI to Catherine (nee Gouldan) and Peter Dais. Wally grew up in the Hartford area and attended St. Kilian. He graduated Hartford High School in 1955 and immediately enlisted into the United States Navy where he honorably served as a Photographer’s Mate Third Class aboard the USS Northampton. Wally received his honorable discharge in 1958 as a proud veteran.
On August 20, 1960, Wally was united in marriage to Lilybeth “Lil” Collins at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Thompson (Hartford, WI.) Wally proudly served as a police officer for the City of Hartford. He quickly became a police sergeant, working the night shift while completing his associate degree. Wally retired after 30 years of service.
After retirement from law enforcement, Wally & Lil fulfilled their ideal dream and moved to Prescott, Arizona, which was home for 12 years. In an effort to spend more time with their extended family, Wally and Lil moved back to Wisconsin, calling Fond du Lac home for many years but ultimately moved to the Hartford area where it all began.
Wally was an active member at St. Kilian Parish. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, motorcycling, and sports. He loved baseball and had impressive retention of game statistics. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewer and Green Bay Packer fan. Wally and Lil also loved to travel; together they saw over 12 countries.
Wally is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Lilybeth; loving children, John Dais, Lisa (Dale) Roeseler, both of Fond du Lac, and Brian Dais, of Phoenix Arizona; 4 grandchildren, Michael, (Kyle (Courtney) Dais, Holly (Adam) Hackbarth, and Ashley (Cameron) Winkler; 4 great-grandchildren, Austin, Emily, Declan, and Ella; siblings, Harold (Cecilia) Dais and David Dais; and siblings-in-law, Janet (Sam Wasley), Judy (Frank Guntly, Diane (Earl) Kopp, Maryann Collins; Darlene Collins, Evarist Henke and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Catherine; siblings, Joseph “Harley” Dais, Rose Marx, Ardelle Zurn, Clarice Bleifus, and Sr. Corrine Dais; and in-laws; Nancy Henke, Joan (Tom)Walsh; Keith “Butch” Jones, James and Lyanne Collins and John Collins.
A committal service with military honors will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Thompson, WI. on Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 at 11:00 AM.