Darrol Keith 'Dud' Dalbec

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Darrol Keith "Dud" Dalbec, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Thursday Aug. 1, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau, Wisconsin, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family as he passed on to a better place.

Dud was born on Nov. 12, 1938, in Wakefield, son of the late Elfreedor and Mayme (Cappo) Dalbec. He attended grade school in many different states as his father worked construction throughout the South and Midwest. Dud graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1956. After graduation, he worked for the USGS doing mineral exploration along the south shore of Lake Superior. In 1958, he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He was very proud of his time in the military and was a lifelong supporter of our troops. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for Proksch Construction Company, Iron River, Michigan. For 26 years, he and his family traveled to many places during the summer construction season. Those were wonderful times! When Proksch closed their doors, Dud decided not to travel anymore and worked for a couple of area contractors, the last being Angelo Luppino, Inc. Dud was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 324 for more than 60 years.

On Feb. 3, 1962, Dud married the love of his life, Carol Ann Wilcheck. Together they raised four children and spent an amazing 62 years together.

Surviving are his wife, Carol; a son, Brad (Jane Baker); three daughters, Diane Holm (Doug), Pam Bachand (Rocky) and Nicole Bletch (Brad); grandchildren, Mike Dalbec (Holly), Brianna Dalbec (Matt Weber), Matt Siirila (Alexandra), Aspen Streiff (Andrew), Alan Holm, Luke Holm, Cloe Bachand, Travis Bachand, Autumn Bletch and Hope Bletch; great-grandchildren, Hailey Crouch, Raiden and Pepper Streiff. Dud is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim and Carole Wilcheck, Gary and Elaine Brenzel, Sue Dalbec and Holly Dalbec; many special nieces and nephews; and other close relatives.

Besides his parents, Dud was preceded in death by his brothers, David and Dean; an infant grandson, Nathan Siirila; and an infant niece, Clara Brenzel.

Family was everything to Dud and he spent many days attending the extracurricular activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Later in life, he enjoyed his daily rides around town, trips to the casino with Carol to enjoy the delicious buffets and a little gambling. He also enjoyed his Monday morning breakfasts with brother, Dave, and special family friend, Phil Durovsky. We will never forget the time he spent with each one of us; the best gift a person can give to another is their time.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Aspirus Wausau Surgical ICU for the wonderful care they gave to our husband and dad.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, Aug. 12, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow at the Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, where full military rites will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

Luncheon will be served at the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.