David "Dave" Willihnganz

The world lost a fun loving soul on Wednesday, May 19th when David Cletus Willihnganz passed away at home, in his favorite chair, watching baseball.

David was born on Saturday October 7, 1943 in Portage, Wisconsin. He graduated from Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on a sports scholarship in 1962, and then attended UW-Oshkosh where he met his future wife and love of his life, Sally (Key) Willihnganz. The two were married on November 28, 1964 at St Jerome’s Catholic Church in Columbus, Wisconsin. They were together for 57 years, raised four sons, and were blessed with seven grandchildren: Emily, Charles, Benjamin, Henry, Jack, Tommy, and Greta.

David worked as a banker and insurance man before retiring to a life of odd jobs in his 60s. He was elected President of the De Pere Rotary Club in 1986 after receiving their Outstanding Service award in 1983. In the mid-1970s he served as President of the Ripon Jaycees and helped to organize their famous Bicentennial Parade in 1976.

In his younger years, he often played sports like basketball, tennis, and golf. As he got older he remained a devoted fan of the Brewers, Badgers, and Packers. In his free time, he enjoyed “his Westerns” (as he called them) -- movies, books, and television shows from that genre. He was also an avid reader and a devoted member of the Catholic faith. But his favorite activity, by far, was being “Buppa” to his grandkids.

He is survived by his four sons, Troy Willihnganz, Ty Willihnganz, Trent (Kari) Willihnganz, Todd (Molly) Willihnganz, his seven aforementioned grandchildren, and his two younger brothers, Steven (Jan) Willihnganz, and Tom (Melody) Willihnganz.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Beatrice Willihnganz, his wife Sally Willihnganz, his brother Paul Willihnganz, sister-in-law Terri Willihnganz, and his niece Stephanie Willihnganz.

Family and friends may visit at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church, 123 Grant Street, De Pere, on Monday, June 8, from 8:30am until 10:00am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15am with Fr. Mike Brennan, O.Praem officiating.