Dale Robert Pokallus STRATFORD Dale R. "Pokey" Pokallus, 76, of Stratford, died peacefully, surrounded by his family at Ministry St. Josephs Hospital on October 8, 2011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Marshfield with Fr. Eric Berns, officiating. Music will be provided by Amy Hanson, granddaughter, Tammy Nelles, great-niece, and Nancy Losinski , as organist. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6352 of Stratford. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Todd, Tim, Steve, Lance, Judd, Mark, Nate, and Lee. Honorary pallbearer will be Corey. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield and for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. The Knights of Columbus rosary service will be at 6:30 p.m., The Elks Lodge of Sorrow at 7:00 pm and a prayer vigil at 8:00 p.m. by Fr. Eric Berns, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Dale was born on May 16, 1935, in Abbotsford to Albert and Martha (Clendenin) Pokallus. He received his education in Marshfield, graduating in 1954. He married Stella Kaluzinski, and they divorced. He married Annita "Petie" (Kraus) Hupe on December 30, 1972, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marshfield. In his earlier years, he was employed at Rollohome and General Telephone. For 23 years Dale and Annita owned and operated Keglers Kove Bar and Bowling Lanes in Stratford. After his retirement in 1999, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, special friend Lu Halverson and his many good friends. Dale had a wonderful personality and wit, which he utilized by working as a people greeter at Wal-Mart in Marshfield , where along with his work he was always smiling and able to share a special story or one of his many funny jokes. He was an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus, The Marshfield Elks Lodge #665, Stratford Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club and Jaycees. He was an avid bowler, having rolled a 300 game, 700 series and was a member of many bowling organizations. He was also a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Dale enjoyed riding his motor scooter, deer hunting, fishing, traveling, golfing, going to the casino, scenic drives, watching his favorite teams (Stratford Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Bucks) and playing on his computer. Anyone who knew Pokey, his wonderful personality, and nonstop jokes had a forever friend. His laugh was contagious and his warm spirit will live forever in our hearts. Survivors include his children, Bev (Ken) Folz of Rozellville, Bonnie (John) Cook of Georgetown, TX, Connie (William) Niemuth of Janesville, Audrey (Larry) Syring of Stratford, Penni Dunn of Old Fort, NC and Debbie. Grandchildren, Todd (Connie) Folz, Amy (Judd) Hanson, Tammy Folz, Tim (Becky) Folz, April (Nate) Sparbel, Corey Theurer, Tracey (John) Fawkes , Denise (Kent) Manthey, Steve Niemuth, Amanda (Mark) Bennett, Lance Syring, Lauralee (Lee) Kunze, Amber (Jonathan) Benfield, Shannon Schultz, Kaylee Dunn, and Leah Dunn. Great Papa to 13 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Ralph Pokallus of Marshfield, Larry (Joyce) Pokallus of Spencer, Gloria Frey of Marshfield, and Carol (David) Johnson of Edgar. He was predeceased by his wife Annita on November 17, 1999, by his parents Albert and Martha, a brother Carl Kenneth in infancy, step brother James Sweeney, step sister Lola Sterzinger, and many other relatives. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com Visitation: 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on October 12, 2011 at Rembs Funeral Home, Marshfield, Wisconsin Service: 11:00 am on October 13, 2011 at St. John's Catholic Church, Marshfield, Wisconsin