- Date Of Birth: April 3, 1953
- Date Of Death: January 17, 2017
- State: Colorado
Ray Dalke
Ray Dalke, 63, passed away on January 17, 2017 at his home in Denver, Colorado. He was born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky where his dad served in the Army. Ray always said that he never expected to live this long, and his last few years were not easy, so it is a blessing that he is now at peace.
Ray grew up in Commerce City, Colorado with his older brother, Kirk, and younger sister, Gale. In high school, he was a member of the swim team and lettered in swimming. He graduated early from Adams City High School to join the Army at age 17. While in the Army, Ray attended Aviation School and studied Helicopter Repair and Maintenance at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He was stationed in Korea where he maintained the helicopters. Ray was very proud to be a Helicopter Crew Chief, and as a member of the helicopter staff, flew missions over Korea and Vietnam. After Korea, Ray re-enlisted. He came home long enough to marry his high school sweetheart, Debbie, then off they went to Germany, where he was stationed for the next three years. Ray and Debbie divorced shortly after their return to the States, but remained friends throughout the years.
Ray built on his mechanical abilities by attending Automotive College and spending the majority of his life as an Auto Mechanic. He attended many seminars and training classes and was ASE Certified in Automobile Specialty Areas. Basically, he could fix just about anything to do with cars and trucks! He loved being a mechanic and remained in that industry until the years of working in and around cars, bending, lifting and breathing fumes took a toll on his health.
Ray had an adventurous spirit in his younger years and loved biking and skiing in the Colorado mountains. He also dreamed of scuba diving and he made that dream come true by becoming a certified diver.
Ray is survived by his parents, Marilyn and Robert Dalke, his brother, Kirk Dalke, his sister, Gale Frongillo, his nephew, Jason Kuczek, and his three nieces, Callie Kuczek, Misty Dalke, and Monica Dalke.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign Ray’s guest book and share memories and/or photos by clicking the appropriate tab to the left.
