Dale H. Buhrow

Dale H. Buhrow, age 89, passed away on January 17 in the Chippewa Falls home where he had lived for over 60 years.

Born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Dale was a man who understood that the best things in life were simple: a good laugh, a well-cooked meal, and a cold beer shared with friends. He lived a modest life, yet he was defined by his immense generosity; Dale was always the first to reach for the tab or buy a round of drinks for the room.

Master of the Craft

Dale’s professional life was defined by his passion and expertise as the Brewmaster at Leinenkugel’s Brewery. For years, he served as a cornerstone of the Chippewa Falls landmark, overseeing the craft and quality of the beer that brought so many people together. He took immense pride in his work, blending technical mastery with a deep respect for the brewery’s heritage. To his colleagues, he was more than a leader; he was a mentor and a friend who always had a joke ready to lighten the workday.

A Legacy of Laughter

Dale was known by all as a connoisseur of "the funny side of life." He had a unique ritual of scouring the daily comics, carefully clipping out his favorite strips to share with family and friends. For Dale, a day wasn’t complete unless he had shared a smile or a belly laugh with someone he loved. He was a master storyteller with a quick wit who could turn any ordinary moment into a hilarious memory.

Passions and Traditions

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dale spent his younger years on the softball diamond and in the bowling alley. In retirement, his passion shifted to the golf course, where he spent countless hours playing alongside his wife, Barb. If he wasn’t on the green, he was watching a tournament on TV or practicing his stroke with a putter in his living room.

Dale was also an expert on the water. In a fishing boat, he had a natural instinct for finding where they were biting. His annual trips to Prairie Lake became a cherished family tradition, filling decades with happy memories of sun, water, and tight lines.

At home, Dale was a "wizard in the kitchen." He was a talented cook who loved nothing more than preparing a feast for his family and guests—always ensuring no one left the table hungry and every meal was served with a side of humor.

Family

Dale is preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Barb Buhrow, who shared in his life of laughter and love.

He is survived by four sons: Mark, Steven (Kelly), David (Nancy), and Michael (Tina); eleven grandchildren: Eric, Amanda, Brittany, Brianna, Megan, Justin, Ashlei, Mykle, Ashley, Alesha, and Austin; thirteen great-grandchildren and a wide circle of friends and former colleagues who will deeply miss his hard-working spirit and kind heart.

A private service is being held with immediate family per Dale’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Feed My People Food Bank

To honor Dale’s memory, tell a favorite joke, clip a comic for a friend, or raise a glass of Leinenkugel’s to a life well-lived.