Dale Tauke 1941-1994

TAUKE, MAIERS

Posted By: Cheryl Moonen (email)
Date: 1/28/2015 at 10:34:33

Letters to the Editor Loss of Dale Tauke felt by many: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Saturday, April 23, 2005
Deceased Name: Letters to the Editor Loss of Dale Tauke felt by many
704 First Ave. West, Cascade, Iowa

The editorial published in the Telegraph Herald March 27 states, "This individual had fired his gun at the family member earlier in the day." The book "Cowboy Execution - Justified?" insists that both Dale Tauke's mother and friend had never been fired upon. It was only the front tires that were shot out. Never had Dale shot at them. Dale had displayed a weapon in front of the police. There is no law that says you cannot carry firearms on your own land. The officials knew he wasn't injured. Did they have to stay?

Would he still be alive if they had left? There are a lot of questions left unanswered. Not one single person can replace what was taken away from so many people that awful August day. I was only 4 years old when Dale was killed. I remember visits to his ranch and seeing his horses, which I have grown to love.

I am now 15. I can still remember hearing that my Great Uncle Dale was dead. Even though the officials were doing their jobs, they robbed me, and many others, of the chance to know and love someone who was of "a dying breed." Dale wanted to be left alone on his own land without interference. He may have been just "Mr. Tauke," but he was more, he was a friend. Most everyone knew him as a cowboy. Dale loved his land and his animals. He took great pride in everything he accomplished at his homestead.