David Cleary Feiereisen
David Cleary Feiereisen, 84, passed away peacefully at home on January 3rd, 2023, with his daughter at his side. A modest, hard-working, kind, remarkable man, Dave was born November 30th, 1938 in Fond du Lac, WI. He was one of Michael and Eleanor Feiereisen’s 12 children. They grew up on Lincoln Avenue and walked to St. Patrick’s School – quite the hike, but there’s safety in numbers. He graduated from Fond du Lac High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force in March of 1957. After traveling the world, serving as an aircraft refueling specialist, he was honorably discharged in December of 1961 and came home to Wisconsin.
A night out with friends introduced Dave to the love of his life and very best friend, Dee Koeser of Oshkosh (who the grandkids lovingly called “Gertie”). Dave was an introvert who was perfectly balanced by Dee’s outgoing nature – surely, she initiated the conversation! They later eloped, getting married at the first courthouse they could find on their way “Up North” on June 16th, 1962. They made their home in Fond du Lac. Dave worked at Mercury Marine, Dee raised their three children, and together they oversaw the Town of Fond du Lac Sanitary District. Together, they enjoyed life on Lake Winnebago and spending time up north in Dunbar, WI.
He led the family on all kinds of crazy adventures. Their happy place was a few acres of woods in Dunbar that was lovingly named “Happy Camp,” which connected them to acres of public hunting land and miles of north woods ATV trails. Family weekends were spent grouse hunting, riding, and exploring. If it had a motor, they wanted to see the country on it; mopeds, snowmobiles, RVs, boats, and especially ATVs. These machines would get them to places where Dee could take pleasure in all of God’s beauty and Dave’s keen eye could spot wildlife along the trail.
Dave lived life like he rode his ATV: eager for the adventure, but not too fast, too far, or too muddy. He combined his love of adventure, with cautious restraint, bringing up any possible what-ifs, like weather, dusty trails, mud, danger, or traffic. He wanted to go out and see nature with his loved ones, he was meticulous in the care of his belongings, had a knack for incredibly-timed sarcasm, and would never turn down an invitation to attend a game, practice, performance, event, or meal with the grandkids. Of course, the agreement to join-in came after a clever quip about being too busy, and a grinning pause to enjoy the reaction.
He is survived by – Three Children: David “Chip” Feiereisen Jr. and his wife Jodi of North Fond du Lac, Louis “Packy” Feiereisen of Wausau, and Samantha Twohig and her husband Christopher of Fond du Lac. Six Grandchildren: Savannah (Travis) Thomas, Brittany Feiereisen, Michael Feiereisen, Cleary Twohig, George Twohig, and Layne Twohig. Five Siblings: Jim (Diane) Feiereisen, Sheila (Ron) Cwikla, Pat (Sue) Feiereisen, Mary (Tom) Swingen, and Gail (Gordon) Fuller.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dee, and six siblings – Kathleen Stahl, Joyce Brayton, Jack Feiereisen, Marilyn Schmitz, Michael Feiereisen, and Gary Feiereisen (who passed away as an infant).
Dave’s visitation will be held at Holy Family Catholic Parish, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI on Monday, January 9th from 4:30 until 6:00 p.m., followed by his funeral mass at 6:00 p.m., concluding with military honors. Donations will be directed to the St. Peter Athletic Club in his name; he never turned down an invitation to the ballpark. Finally, for goodness sake, take some time to clean and polish your ATV, moped, motorcycle, snowmobile, boat, or other mode of adventure transportation. He’d appreciate the effort.