Earl Dahme
Age - 97
November 23, 2023
Earl Raymond Dahme, 97, Rapid City, passed peacefully in the early morning of November 19 at Fountain Springs Nursing Home. Earl was born on May 16, 1926, to Otto and Elsbeth (Wagner) Dahme on a farm in West Port, SD, moved to Aberdeen in 1942, and settled in Rapid City from 1956 to the time of his passing. He was a Seaman First Class in the Navy during WWII working on the USS Black Hawk AD-9, a destroyer tender and repair ship. He served in China, Japan, Hawaii and on the West Coast. Earl met his wife Kathleen at a roller-skating rink in June 1946, while he was dressed handsomely in his Navy whites. They were engaged at a church Christmas party and married February 22, 1947. Earl retired from the US Postal Service in 1997 after having worked there for more than 20 years. Earl had a love of sports, going to games all around town, even if he didn't know anyone playing. He thoroughly enjoyed going to games played by his Grand kids and would support them loudly from the sidelines. He watched all sports at all times, including multiple TVs for his viewing pleasure. In his 90's he was able to see a live Broncos game and two Rockies Games, he could cheer like the young guys. He loved fishing and spent many hours on the water. He enjoyed baking (he also was a professional baker) and many people were blessed with his cakes, cookies, and banana bread. His family meant the world to him, and he loved playing games, especially Cribbage, barbecuing and just hanging out making memories for us to hold onto for a lifetime. His most admirable quality was his love for God. He spent time daily on his knees praying for everyone he loved and hours in front of his bible. He was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church helping with the finance counter, ushering and in the choir. He was also with the American Legion #320 for 79 years, the VFW, and a former member of the American Postal Workers Union. Earl is survived by his two daughters: Wanda Dahms, Tennessee, Paula Haupt (Roger Ross), Black Hawk; 6 grandchildren: Denise (Bryan) Muir, Jason Dahms, Jasmine (Jason) King, Janessa (Dan) Fallon, Abraham Haupt, and Jacob Haupt; 7 great-grandchildren: Wylie, Erica, Brent, Benjamin, Isaiah, Allissa, Rhianna and 6 great great grandkids. He is preceded in death by his wife: Kathleen Dahme; his son Dennis Dahme; his parents Otto and Elsbeth Dahme; his siblings: Howard (Arloween) Dahme, Arnold (Mabel) Dahme, Wesley (Aubrey) Dahme, Delbert Dahme, Esther (Dan) Lingor, Elvera (Melvin) Schaeffer, Doris (Dick) McCauslin, Orville (Doris) Dahme and Arthur (Joyce) Dahme. There will be a Celebration of Earl's life at Kirk Funeral Home on Monday November 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM with a burial and Full Military Honors at Mt View Cemetery right after. Earl was an amazing man and will be greatly missed. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook.Show more
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