Dale G. Scharlau, 84, of Couderay died Aug. 23 at Brentwood Senior Communities in Rice Lake.

Mr. Scharlau was born Aug. 3, 1924 to Corabell (Frasier) and Frederick Scharlau at home in Couderay. He attended school in the Winter School District and then graduated from Hayward High School. Mr. Scharlau enlisted in the Navy in March 1943 and served until 1946. He served on the U.S.S. Van Valkenburgh, and his tour of duty included Saipan, Iwo Jima and the Philippines. Mr. Scharlau returned to Wisconsin in 1946 and married Carol Carlson on Sept. 4, 1948 in Radisson. The couple lived in Milwaukee, where he worked at Briggs and Stratton before returning to Couderay. He then worked for Couderay Oil Co., which he later owned and operated for about 30 years. After retiring, Mr. Scharlau served as sexton for the Couderay Cemetery. He enjoyed telling stories, playing cards, traveling, music, reading and local history and was a proud member of the Oglivie Masonic Lodge, where he served as secretary for many years.

He is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Gerber of Exeland and Judith Miller of Hillsborough, N.C.; a son, Jeff of Minneapolis; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, William and Edward, both of Milwaukee.

Mr. Scharlau's wife, Carol, preceded him in death.