Dalton Henry Kroening, 88, of Lake City and Mesa, Ariz., formerly of Wabasha and Austin, died of natural causes on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, in Mesa. He was born June 11, 1923, in Plainview, the son of George and Anna (Schuchard) Kroening. He graduated from Plainview High School where he played varsity football and basketball. He married Doris Smith April 20, 1944, in Greneda, Miss. He enlisted in the Army and served in the 738th Artillery Battalion in General Patton’s 3rd Army during WWII.

Dal and Doris made their home in Austin, where their two children were born: Beverly and Bradley. They spent their weekends skiing, boating and fishing at their cabin on the Mississippi River, near Wabasha. Dalton was employed be the Geo. A. Hormel Company for 34 years. Upon retirement, Dal and Doris divided their time between Wabasha and the golf course in Mesa.

Doris passed away Tuesday, July 2, 1991.

Dalton married Mary Allred in Wabasha on Aug. 14, 1992, and they enjoyed golfing at Apache Wells Country Club, cruises, and spending time with family and friends. Dalton also enjoyed skiing and hunting in his earlier years.

He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Wabasha and Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. He was also a member of the Wabasha American Legion Post 50 and the Burkhardt-Roemer VFW Post 4086 of Wabasha.

Dalton is survived by his wife, Mary Kroening, Mesa, AZ; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Steven Dopita, Park City, Utah; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Kroening, Winona; five grandchildren, Dan (JaNae) Dopita, Salt Lake City, Dave (Tawnya) Dopita, Park City, and Doug (Angela) Dopita, Corona Del Mar, Calif.; Sam Kroening and Claire Kroening, both of Winona; one great-granddaughter, Lilly Jo Dopita, Park City; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Ann Kroening, Lake City, Minn.; sister, Donna Yarolimek, Kellogg, Minn.; the Allred family, including two children, 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews and special friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris; son, Bradley; sister, Ora and brothers, Maurice and Ken.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at Faith Lutheran Church in Wabasha with the Rev. David Knox officiating. Private interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Plainview earlier in the day. Honorary bearers are Larry Smith, Kirk Baumbach, Bret Baumbach, Matt Bashaw, Brando Gomez, Dave Dixon and Maurice Northup. Military rites will be performed by the Wabasha American Legion and VFW Posts. Family and friends may call at the church one hour before the service. Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at stevendopita@comcast.net. The Abbott Funeral Home of Wabasha is in charge of arrangements, abbottfh.com.