William "Willie" Vance Dallege

William “Willie” Vance Dallege, 76, of Rochester IA, died quietly in the comfort of his home on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Fry Funeral Home will host a Visitation on Monday evening, March 13, 2023 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and a Funeral service officiated by Rev. Ron Lashmit, at 10:30 in the morning on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Friends and family are invited to stay for a luncheon immediately following the funeral service. After the luncheon, Willie will be laid to rest in the Bethel Cemetery, Atalissa, IA. In lieu of flowers, family asks that cards and memorials be mailed to the funeral home, in c/o the William Dallege family, PO Box 30, Tipton, IA 52772. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com

William “Willie” Vance Dallege was born in Davenport, IA on Friday, January 31, 1947, to Floyd and Dorothy Ethel Helen (Westphal) Dallege. He graduated from West Branch High School with the Class of 1965. From a young age, Willie saw the value of hard work. At 16, he was already helping his uncle build houses. In fact, along with his dad and uncle, Willie helped build the family home. At the age of 20, he began his career as a mechanic for Cargill Nutrena in West Branch, until his retirement over 37 years later. On June 3, 1983, Willie was united in marriage to Erma Irene Henderson in Muscatine, IA. In the early 90’s Willie started an exotic farm. He raised llamas, game animals, such as elk and deer, and a variety of birds, to include, chickens, geese and ducks. When Willie wasn’t working, he did enjoy having fun. In his younger years, it was common to see him driving his “Willie Dee” car, at the West Liberty, Tipton and Cedar Rapids stock car races and he appreciated the family hunting and fishing trips he was able to take in Colorado, Idaho and Montana. Willie’s hobbies include, reading westerns, leatherwork and making knives, and he was exceptionally good at fixing things mechanically and metal fabrication.

Family and friends describe Willie as a man that could be ornery, determined and sarcastic, but also caring, honest, and funny, with a great sense of humor. He was the family member and friend who would take the time to call and check in to see how you were doing, and with Willie, you never had to guess what he was thinking. He was well liked by many, loved by his family and will be missed dearly.

Willie is survived by his son, Dennis James (Lindsay) Dallege of Rochester, IA; step-daughters, Becky (Marty) Weiman of Tipton, IA and Christy Royer of Iowa City, IA; step-sons, Randy (Jane) Matthiessen of Seattle, WA and Kevin Matthiessen of Maquoketa, IA; sisters, Carol Ann (Ron) Mathias of Davenport, IA, Delores Rivera of Lockridge, IA, Doris (Steve) Neidt of Geneseo, IL, and Joan Maske of North Liberty, IA; brother, Rickey “Rick” (Pam) Dallege of Rochester, IA; and grandchildren, Isabella and Elijah Dallege. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Dorothy; wife, Erma; previous wife, Mary Donohoe; and nephew, Derek Dallege.