Dale Kenneth Hoenk, 70 of Winona, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 in his home with family by his side after a courageous fight against cancer.
Dale was born on May 26, 1950 in Elgin, MN to Kenneth and Leone Hoenk. He spent most of his childhood in Winona, attending Winona Middle School and Winona Senior High. After graduating high school, Dale began delivering newspaper bundles for Winona Daily News while he attended Winona State University and obtained a degree in Industrial Arts. After graduating he worked in construction for Madison Silos then transitioned his career to UPS working as a Package Delivery Driver.
On September 1, 1984 he married his loving wife, Beverly Wisted and had 2 children, Keri and Matt. Dale enjoyed being the captain on their boat, "H'Anchors Away". He spent his weekends in the summer on the sandbars of the Mississippi River and enjoyed ice fishing on the weekends in the winter. He looked forward to the family's annual salmon fishing trip to Door County (35 years) and his annual "guy's trip" Walleye Fishing in Ontario Canada (17 years).
When Dale was not fishing or boating his passion was connecting with and helping others. He was extremely handy and was always willing to help others fix anything that wasn't working properly. Even more, he always had time to catch up with a friend. He had a way of making a person feel as though they were most important in that moment; a true gift. When he wasn't fixing things or chatting with friends, he loved to sit on the deck and watch the Purple Martin's nest in gourdes he setup each year.
In 2012 Dale retired after working 33 years at UPS. Dale spent his retirement enjoying time with his granddaughters, working part-time delivering cars for Lewiston Auto and watching Bald Eagles around Lake Pepin while delivering for Motor Parts.
Dale will be missed by his wife, Bev; children, Keri (Sam) Cada and Matt (Reegan) Hoenk; granddaughters, Callie, Kenley (his "Little Buddy"), Peyton, and grandson expected in July 2021; mother, Leone Hoenk; siblings, Carol (Craig) VanOort and Sue (Richard) Holland; father-in-law, Elmo Wisted; and many nieces, nephews, other family members, and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Hoenk and mother-in-law, Marylou Wisted.
A public "walk-through" visitation will be held from 11a.m.-1p.m., Monday, February 22, 2021 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center. A private family service will follow.
The funeral will be live-streamed at 1:30 p.m., Monday, February 22. Click the following link to view: https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=1613772052101780
Please leave a memory of Dale and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be designated to Squamous Cell Carcinoma cancer research at Mayo Clinic. Memorials can be made online at www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905. Gifts made in Memory of Dale Hoenk.
Masks will be required and social distancing will be followed.
Lita Wedul Haddal wrote on Feb 27, 2021:
"I am so sad to hear today that Dale has died. I can hardly write the words. I am in shock and weep as I write. Dale was a much loved friend. I had no idea he was ill. I saw him at our last class reunion and he told of his stroke. We agreed he had dodged a bullet for he looked sturdy and well. During this corona time I have thought of him and hoped he was staying safe. The last time I saw him, he was in his truck on Main Street waiting for a light to change. I was crossing the street on my way to the bank. Then I heard a deep voice saying from his rolled-down window, \"I wish I had that swing in my yard.\" See why we girls all loved him? He made eveyone feel good. I am crushed that I will not see this warm loveable person again. He was a little bit mine since we went to Homecoming together in 1968! Bless your family now in this raw cruel time.You have a wonderful husband, dad, brother, and grandpa and son to remember. With deepest condolences, Lita Wedul Haddal, Moss, Norway"
Dick Smith wrote on Feb 25, 2021:
"Condolences to the Hoenk family. I met Dale in the 70\'s in the YMCA weight room. My first impression was \"What a physical specimen!\" He was built like a \"brick shit house\". Everyone watched in awe when Dale did multiple reps with a pair of 100lb. dumbells. He was a lifting machine!. We became friends and pretty much kept in touch throughout his all too short life. He was our regular UPS guy at my Shopko work place. We were both \"river rats,\" so we always had lots of BS to toss around. He was a great man who knew how to enjoy life and will never be forgotten. Rest in peace big guy! Dick Smith."
Joan Gromek wrote on Feb 25, 2021:
"Bev and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Dale\'s passing. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy and will be missed!! We have sent a donation to Mayo for Cancer Research.
Sympathy and Love,
Jim and Joni Gromek"
Cam Dehlin wrote on Feb 24, 2021:
"In August of 2018, my brother Mike and I made a trip down to Winona. We hadn\'t been there in years. We stayed with Bev and Dale and had a wonderful time! Grilled on the back porch and saw all the purple martin houses. Keri and her family came over, and Eric and Becky Wisted came over too. It was a great visit!"
Sue ( Multhaup) Tarras wrote on Feb 24, 2021:
"when I worked retail I always remembered Dale as a very friendly ups man. we graduated together and he was always so polite and kind. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace Dale,you were a great person
"
Randy Snell wrote on Feb 23, 2021:
"Dale served the Lewiston Veterinary Clinic as the UPS delivery person for over 20 years.Always efficient ,but took time to interact with a teasing remark and his great smile.Thanks for the memories Dale.
"
Randy Snell wrote on Feb 23, 2021:
"Dale served the Lewiston Veterinary Clinic as the UPS delivery person for over 20 years.Always efficient ,but took time to interact with a teasing remark and his great smile.Thanks for the memories Dale.
"
Shari Tjossem wrote on Feb 23, 2021:
"In the early 80?s Bev & I worked at the Ground Round in Winona. I was often witness to Dale stopping at the restaurant either with deliveries or to court his beautiful Bev. It was very apparent that he was so attracted to Bev & that she felt the same way. Without realizing it they left a lasting impression of what love looks like. God Bless you both. ??"
Brenda Sing wrote on Feb 23, 2021:
"Dale was indeed a special guy. He had an endless smile and typically a joke that brought laughter to life. His legacy will live on in Matt, Keri and Bev\'s loving heart. While he will be deeply missed, cherish the memories."
Ryan Spencer wrote on Feb 22, 2021:
"Captain Dale, thanks for all the memories. You were one of a kind and will be deeply missed. "
Michael Herzberg wrote on Feb 22, 2021:
"Michael Herzberg (Bigsy)
The passing of Dale brings to an end a great part of my life. A very good and full part of my life. I will always remember what we did and went through together; the many memories I have of Dale and his family and the memories I have of him with my family. There will always be a part of Dale left in my mind.
My very deepest sympathies to all."
Joy Hittner wrote on Feb 22, 2021:
"Dale was indeed a special guy. In High School he had a way of making you feel just a bit more than you thought you were. My condolences to his family."
Linda rossetti wrote on Feb 22, 2021:
"One of my favorites in our graduating class of 1968! He was well loved for that laugh and kindness! Tight hugs from Colorado Springs to his tribe of family and loved ones! "
Lynette (Cordes) Johnson wrote on Feb 21, 2021:
"Hey Cuz, I\'m sure going to miss bumping into you and chatting about our families and how they are all doing.Give our families a hug for me. I remember when you were over by the area where Mark and I lived and we had that big snow storm and you came to dig Keri\'s car out. You said this is taking father hood a little to far and we just laughed and kept digging out.
My deepest sympathy to all the families.
Your cousin
Lynette (Cordes) Johnson
"
Jim Kerkenbush wrote on Feb 21, 2021:
"I will always remember our working days together and Dales friendship he always had time to chat whenever we saw each other and consider him a great friend you have both Diane and my sympathy Jim Kerkenbush"
Lisa Larson wrote on Feb 20, 2021:
"You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know I have not talked to you in a very long time, but I really do cherish the friendship we had. Hold tight to the wonderful memories you made as a family. Keep making them with the grand babies and keep Dale\'s memories alive. "
Scott and Marianne Shira wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"I remember the first day I met Dale. I was cutting brush down between our houses in the back yard. And a big kind hand stuck thru the branches introducing himself. We hit it off right away. He and I fished together. He also helped me with getting my Purple Martin gourds established. He bought a led high powered flashlight and he would sit in his living room shining the light thru the back yard into my family room. My wife Marianne and I would laugh so hard! Also loved his smoked salmon . We loved looking at Bev?s beautiful flowers. April 2019 we moved to family property along the river. He gave me advice on starting my Martins all over again. You will be missed my friend. See you on the water in heaven someday! Scott and Marianne Shira"
Dawn Bronk wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"Sorry to hear of Dale\'s passing. Hewas always fun to talk to when you ran into him. Have known Dale since we lived in the Sarina apartments by him and Mike Herbert. A very special person. Thinking of all of you
Dawn Bronk (wise)"
Penny Aeling Koehler wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"We were saddened to hear of Dale?s passing. We are deeply sorry for your loss. He was a terrific person with a personality you just can?t forget! Cherish your memories! R.I.P. Dale! Duane and Penny Koehler "
Stiles wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"See you on the other side My Friend.
Fondly,
Jeanine"
Steve Kanz wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"I remember FIRST time Dale delivered a package at our business. We talked about hunting, fishing etc. and after he left, I asked my office manager what\'s his name? Her reply was, \"I don\'t know, I thought you knew him the way you were talking\". He made everyone feel very comfortable from the first time you met him."
Sheri schell wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"Bev and family we loss another good man , I?m so saddened you have to go through this but he is no longer in pain! He?s at rest now and he left behind so many wonderful memories and no one can take those from you.. Hugs and sympathy to you all ?? Sheri Schell "
Randy Plachecki wrote on Feb 19, 2021:
"Bev and family,we are very sad for your loss. Dale was the kindest, gentlest, honest and most caring person. He was always nice to us, will be missed.
Randy and Denise Plachecki"
Jeff and Bev wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"Although we haven\'t known him long, he always had time to visit. What a sweet, kind and all around great neighbor. So blessed to have known you Dale. Our sympathies and prayers for Bev and family during this difficult and sad time. Cherish your memories. Always here for you Bev. "
Martha Lutz wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"Dale, you?ll be looking real handsome in heaven. ??
Martha and Greg Lutz"
Jane Biesanz wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"Dale was a one of a kind guy! Always so friendly and willing to take the time to chat up a storm! He will be missed by all who knew him, especially the class of 1968! Bev, take care and cherish all the great, fun times with Dale. All our love and support, Jane and Scott Biesanz"
Dick and Pat Cichosz wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"So sorry to hear of Dale?s passing. He was one of the best! Such a fun guy to visit with?always so upbeat and funny. We remember the time he and Bev towed our boat back from Trempealeau to Dick?s Marine. We didn?t get home until 1:00 am, but he didn?t mind! We laughed all the way home listening to his conversation! He will be missed by many?
Dick and Pat Cichosz "
Jen Wade and family wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"Hey whistlebritches! Thats what he called me. I can still hear it every time I think of him. You guys made the neighborhood so much brighter by just moving in. My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you all, Bev, Keri, Matt and familes!
Always,
Whistle Britches"
Marilyn and Gary Grob wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"Sorry for your loss. Gary and I always enjoyed him. ??"
Gary Spencer wrote on Feb 18, 2021:
"Captain Dale we will all miss you!! Bev and family we will be here for you what ever your needs might be. We are only a phone call away!!"