Francis Dalen

Francis E. Dalen, 68, of Platteville died on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Southwest Health Center Hospital, Platteville. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Rev. Michael Short will officiate. Chapel military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5274. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends may call on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorials may be made to the Francis E. Dalen Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Francis was born on November 5, 1946 in Lancaster, Wisconsin, the son of Raymond E. and Florence E. (Galen) Dalen. He was united in marriage to Jeanette Dailey in 1967. She preceded him on July 16, 2002. He later married Rose Breckler and she preceded him in death. Francis served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for Faherty's and Rural Excavating for many years. He later did lawn care and worked part time at M & K Autos, Platteville. Francis enjoyed going to sales, collecting things and scavenging. He liked tractor pulling and BINGO. He truly had a heart of gold. He is survived by his two children, Robert Dalen and Renee (Mike) Miller; two grandchildren, Ashley and Anthony; two great-grandchildren, Jazmine and Isabella with one more great-grandchild due in April. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Trevor.