DAHNK, John William

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona 12/29/2009 John William Dahnk, 63, beloved husband and devoted family man died peacefully at his home Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009. He was born July 31, 1946, in St. Paul, Minn., the son of Joseph and Joan (Schmauss) Dahnk. He graduated in 1965 from Maryvale High School in Phoenix. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Army and served three years including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return he attended and graduated from Glendale Community College. John had a number of careers over the years, but the longest was as a Corrections Officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections in Florence. John married Kathleen Thompson June 4, 1971. Their life was full of happiness and love. John is survived by his wife Kathleen; his wonderful children including daughters Noelle of Gilbert and Christine (Cleveland) of Queen Creek and son James of Apache Junction; sisters Ann (Williams) of Camarillo, Calif., Mary of Phoenix, Catherine of Phoenix and Barbara (Duquette) of Surprise. A viewing was held Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 6-8 p.m. at Mariposa Gardens Mortuary on Power Road in Mesa. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Power Road in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of John's favorite charities; the international charity, Operation Smile, the Arizona Humane Society, or the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).