On Friday, Feb. 1st, Palatine Police Chief Alan Stoeckel and at least 60 other people from the department honored Mark Dahlem at Journey Care (hospice) in Barrington. Palatine Police presented a plaque to him due to his service from 1995 – 2019.
Mark Dahlem went to see a doctor about severe headaches in late 2017 and had emergency surgery to remove a tumor. Five days later, Mark received a diagnosis of an aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme in Dec. 2017.
On Tuesday, Feb. 5th, Mark passed away. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kimberly, 46, a daughter Abby, 15, and a son Jack, 10.
Mark Dahlem loved sports, both playing them and memorizing stats. He played baseball in college and softball as long as he was physically able. He was a youth baseball and football coach in his hometown of Cary.
Kyle Ingebrigtsen said of Mark Dahlem, “He always had your back, no matter what.”
The PPFBA Helps Out Mark’s Family
On Thursday, March 21st, the Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association held a fundraiser at the Oak Alley Saloon in Palatine to benefit the education of his children.
Palatine Police Commander Kyle Ingebrigtsen, and Officers Angela Bonneville and Chad Felde organized the event.
The fundraiser was held on the opening day of March Madness, because traditionally a group of officers would get together at the Oak Alley and watch the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament games.
Kimberly Dahlem, Mark’s widow, said the large turnout at the event was a nice tribute to her late husband. She mentioned how grateful she is for the help in taking care of their kids and checking in on the family daily to see how they are doing and if they need anything.
Dan Collins, chairman of the non-profit Heroes Family Fund (part of the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association) quietly gave Kimberly a check to put toward her children’s education.
Contributions to Dahlem children’s education fund may be made by clicking on the Donate button below.
The Daily Herald published an article about the event. To read this article, click here. To find out more about what the purpose and goals are for the Palatine Police and Fire Benevolent Association (PPFBA), please click here.