Alan G. Dahlke, 83, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026.

Alan was born on August 11, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son to Elmer and Clara (Erickson) Dahlke. He would go on to live a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and deep love for his family.

After graduating from high school, Alan’s journey would lead him to proudly serve in the United States Navy and complete his education at Concordia College in Milwaukee. Alan also spent time studying for the Lutheran Ministry, reflecting his deep faith and commitment to service.

If you were to ask Alan, he would tell you that he hadn’t worked a day in his life. However, his passion for engineering and aerospace would lead him to Rockwell International and the United Space Alliance for 34 years as a procurement quality assurance representative. In Rockford, he worked closely with people at the various places he dealt with, including Hamilton Sunstrand. He appreciated the dedication, excellence, and friendships of those he worked closely with. Most notably throughout his career, Alan’s work focused on the space shuttle, the B-1 Lancer, and various other military satellite programs. Alan said that he made a career out of “being a critic.” Alan would go on to be recognized not once but twice by NASA astronauts for the Silver Snoopy Award; fewer than 1% of the aerospace workforce are recognized annually for their contributions to human flight safety and overall mission success. On January 24, 2005, he was presented with his Silver Snoopy by astronaut Lee Archambault before his retirement.

Though Alan had a profound passion for his work, nothing meant more to him than his wife, Donna (née Lidsrum), whom he married in Milwaukee on October 1, 1966. Their marriage was truly a partnership built on love, respect, and devotion. During their 45 years of marriage, Donna and Alan shared countless cherished memories, from ballroom dancing and cruise adventures to spending time together in the kitchen. Donna loved cooking, while Alan was known for his expertise at the grill. They were devoted members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Alan faithfully served as a deacon and greatly valued his role within the church community. Alan also loved woodworking and possessed a remarkable wit that never failed to make others smile.

When Donna passed away over 13 years ago, in December of 2012, a part of Alan went with her, and not a day passed that he didn’t feel the quiet ache of losing his beloved wife. Though he continued forward for the people who depended on and loved him, he felt the profound loss of his cherished wife every day. Those closest to him often said that his love for her endured unchanged, remaining as deep and steadfast after her passing as it had been during their life together.

Alan will be missed by those who loved him most: sons Jeff (Rachel) and Michael (Tara) Dahlke, and daughter Laura (Kevin) Van Natta; grandchildren Ray, Ryne, Ali (Nick), Sean, Alden and Olivia; great grandchildren, sister-in-law Ronda (Robert) Carlson and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Donna; his parents Elmer and Clara; and his brothers, John and Paul (Gerri) Dahlke.

He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose kindness and steady presence touched everyone who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that the love story that defined his life continues beyond this world. Alan and Donna are dancing together once more after years of being apart.

Thank you to the staff at Siena on Brendenwood, Visiting Nurses, and the doctors and nurses at Javon Bea Hospital.

A private family gathering will be held in Alan’s honor, after which he will finally be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in the urn columbarium at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Cremation rites were accorded to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com