Dale "Captain" L. Alton

Dale L. Alton, 76, Ferryville died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse after suffering a massive stroke while watching his grandson play at Tuesday’s Desoto Pirates basketball game. Dale passed away the next evening held by his wife, Shirley, his children and grandchildren.

Born in Sparta on September 27, 1938 to Icel V. and Evelyn (Neary) Alton, Dale began his life on the home farm outside of Wilton, WI. He was raised on French Island, graduated from Logan High School in 1956, joined the Marines and was honorably discharged in 1961. He married Patricia Longway and they had four children: Steve, Jeff, Jackie and Dan. They later divorced and in 1992 , Dale married Shirley (Bergelin) Fradette.

A resident of Ferryville area for over 40 years, Dale made the most of Sportsman’s Paradise playing softball, hunting, fishing, trapping, participating in sportsman banquets and attending Desoto Pirate ball games and events. In 1993, he retired as a Master Mechanic from Dairyland’s power plant in Genoa, giving Dale and Shirley the freedom to travel ‘up north’, first to a campground trailer, then a lakeside cabin, where he spent innumerable hours grooming his beach. They were also able to take several trips though out the U.S. as far away as Alaska.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley J. Alton of Ferryville, and their blended family of children, Steve L. Alton of Ft. Atkinson; Jacqueline A. Pettera of Onalaska; Daniel C. (Lori) of Stoddard; Teresa M. (Tony) Brenengen of La Crosse; Darci J. Fradette of Westby; Daniel A. Fradette and Jodi L. Olson, both of Desoto; nineteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Almon J. (Hattie) Alton of South Range WI; Patricia C. (Ronald, Sr.) Goede of Goreville IL and Larry S. (Donna) Alton of Racine WI, as well as, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jeffrey D. Alton.

A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 23rd, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse. Pastor Doug Anderson will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until the time of service.