Frederick Walter Dahnke

POYNETTE – Frederick Walter Dahnke, age 82, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at University Hospital in Madison.

Frederick was born on September 15, 1943, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Walter F. and Esther M. Dahnke. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army after graduating from Poynette High School. When his military time was through, Fred tried his hand at many things to include owning and operating a gas station in Poynette and, for many years, an auto detailing business in various locations. After a turn in the economy, those endeavors went by the wayside, and he began work as a forklift operator for several companies before his retirement years.

He is survived by his two sons, Tim Dahnke and Jesse Dahnke; ten grandchildren; and twenty-seven great-grandchildren; multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; along with his constant cat companion, Moo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dennis Dahnke; his half-sisters, Edith (Tammi) Dahnke, Dorothy (Hubred) and Myra (Specht) Zins; and his half-brothers, Orlo, Anton, Eugene, and Richard Zins.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday April 25, 2026, at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, with Chaplain Brinks officiating. Inurnment will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.