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Jerry Dahlke, 72, died August 5 in Phoenix from the lifelong effects of a case of childhood pneumonia. Despite his condition most of his life was fairly normal, graduating from Manson High School in 1972 and the University of Iowa in 1976, going on to pursue careers in teaching, restaurant management, and finally baggage handling for American Airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. He loved, and was loved by, his airport family whom he entertained with the same humor and wit he shared with the rest of the world. He sent us a picture once of him holding comedian Gallagher's big wooden mallet. He could smell the watermelon on it. After retiring from American Airlines he took full advantage of his free flying privileges, visiting family and friends. He was born on June 26, 1954 in Fort Dodge to parents Harold and Jean Marie Dahlke, He is survived by siblings Dale Dahlke of Ijamsville, Maryland, Darrel Dahlke of Paynesville, Minnesota, Sheryll Dahlke of North Fort Myers, Florida, stepmother Janet Dahlke of Manson, dear friend Allen East of Phoenix, Arizona. and cats Whiskers and Billie of Phoenix. No services are planned at this time, but he would love to be remembered by contributions to folks' favorite charities.