Harold E. Toelke , age 87 of Dakota, IL, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. He was born March 7, 1932 in rural Rock City; the son of the late Elmer and Elsie (Pieper) Toelke. He was a 1950 graduate of Dakota High School. Harold married Loraine Lawler on January 13, 1952.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. Harold was an electrician and plumber. He started Toelke Electrical Service in 1973 and retired in 2001. He was a member of the Dakota-Rock Grove United Methodist Church since 1954. He was also a member of the Dakota Fire Dept. where he served as a trustee, and he was a charter member of the Dakota Lions Club.

Harold was a woodworker, bird watcher, fisherman, golfer and avid reader. He also enjoyed geography, traveling and working cross word puzzles. He was known for his story telling, jokes, and his wonderful memory. He will be remembered as being a servant, loyal, compassionate, faithful, generous, kind, and strong.

Harold is survived by his wife, Loraine Toelke of Dakota; children, Jolene (Dennis) Lapp of Dakota, Jeffrey (Leta) Toelke of Dakota, Dawn Meligan of Crossville, TN, Denise (Daniel) Smith of Loves Park, IL, and Amy (Jeffery) Drees of Lucas, TX; 14 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elsie; siblings, Alvin Toelke, Sheldon Toelke, Berniece Toelke, Dorothy Barrickman, Beulah Folgate, and Leona Thomas; and great grandson, Levi Toelke.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 14 ^th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Dakota-Rock Grove UMC in Dakota. The memorial service will be Friday, March 15 ^th at 11:00 am also at the church with a time of fellowship to follow. A memorial fund has been established for the Salvation Army and the Freeport Area Church Cooperative. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.