Dale C. Zierten, 77, of Racine, passed away at the Aurora Medical Center-Mt. Pleasant on Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was born in Racine on November 30, 1948, the son of the late Robert C. and Jeanne I. (nee: Rapps) Zierten.

Dale was a graduate of William Horlick High School, Class of '66. During the Vietnam War, Dale served his country as a Military Policeman with the U. S. Army, in Korea. He later attended the Police Academy. On March 6th, 1971, Dale married the love of his life, Susan. He joined the Racine Police Department in 1969. Dale retired in 1991as a Detective. He was deeply involved in Racine civics and community as a former Racine School Board member, Racine County Board member, a union official for the Racine Police Department, and the Racine Art Museum Board member.

Dale served as a member of the S.W.A.T. team for the Racine Police Department and served as the head hostage negotiator. During that time, he received several citations and awards. Dale was a member of the City of Racine 20 Year Club.

After retiring, Dale found his true passion in art. From appraisals and restorations, to teaching himself how to expertly frame anything, he eventually opened Dale's Upstairs Gallery. He also was an accomplished cook, had a joke for every occasion, and loved relaxing with his dogs.

Surviving are his wife, Susan I. Zierten; their daughter, Jessica (Timothy Hass) Zierten, of Milwaukee; three brothers, Mark (Ethel) Zierten, of Los Angeles, Guy (Justine) Zierten, of Orange, CA, and Robert Zierten, of Los Angeles; his twin sister, Diedre "Dee Dee" (Marc Wollman) DuMont, of Racine; mother-in-law, Ethelene Martin, of Hopedale, IL: brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lawrence (Patricia) Martin, of Woodstock, IL, Robert (Donna) Martin, of Ballwin, MO, Daniel (Janet) Martin, of Morton, IL, Thomas (Colleen) Martin, of Farmington, IL, David DiPalma, of Franksville, Luther Carlisle, of Milwaukee, and Mary Ann Picardo, of Sun City, AZ. His nieces, nephews, other relatives, the police brotherhood, and friends also survive Dale. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by two brothers, Lee and Kent Zierten; and a sister-in-law, Joy Zierten.

Service Details

In keeping with Dale's wish, a private service for the family was held. Burial, with full military honors, will be held in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.