David J Vandervelde

David J. VanderVelde, 71, of La Crosse, died on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in his home. He was born on February 26, 1943 to Glenn and Evelyn (Warner) VanderVelde in La Crosses North Side Clinton-Liberty neighborhood and was an avid northsider. Dave graduated from Logan High School in 1960 and was always proud to be a Ranger. After graduation he joined the Army National Guard and served from 1960 1965. He married Leslie Kabat and they had two children, Todd and Kate. They later divorced. Dave met and married Patricia J. Hopkins in 1986. Pat has two daughters, Lori and Lisa. Thus the blended family was created and Dave took to the role well, loving all four of his children whom he taught well as to what a father should be.

Dave started his career with Trane Company in 1964. He trained in many areas of the company and prided himself in all the knowledge he learned over the years on the heating and air conditioning systems. Dave worked in the International Division for 20 years. He loved this area of the business and made many lasting friendships with his co-workers as well as his overseas clients. He has many stories and memories and enjoyed sharing them. Dave was able to retire in 2002 to enjoy life with family, friends and especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He also was able to restart his golfing and enjoyed that sport as well. Daves diagnosis of Parkinsons disease limited his activities, but he always kept up on things via TV, family and friends. Dave was an avid sports fan and played fast pitch softball in the La Crosse Classic League and Trane Company Industrial League. He accomplished several no-hitters and was part of 14 championships of which he was very proud. Dave had a love of bowling and excelled at that as well. He was a Tri-State bowling champion in 1976, but was most proud of the Father/Son Championship he and Todd won in 1975. He has long been an active member in the 700 Club and enjoyed the camaraderie with his former bowling members. Dave was a huge Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan and supporter of both for years. He always looked forward to fall football.

Dave is survived by his wife and best friend Pat, four children, Todd of Chicago, Kate (Chris) Nisbet of Middleton, WI and their children Alex, William and Olivia, Lori Dolan of La Crosse and her daughters Kara (Alex) and Hannah and granddaughter Luna, Lisa (Matt) Manske of La Crosse and their sons Lucas, Maxwell and Bennett, his mother Evelyn of La Crosse, a sister Donna Carmichael of Black River Falls, and a nephew Dale Carmichael and family. He was preceded in death by his father Glenn, a brother-in-law Roger Carmichael, a nephew Brian Carmichael, his father and mother-in-law, Glen and Evelyn Maher, and three sisters-in-law, Catherine (Terry) Wojahn, Patty (Jim) Maher, and Eileen (Mike) Maher.

Dave has faced and accepted his diagnosis and its limitations with courage, strength and determination. Thank-you to his wife Pat, his children and grandchildren who he loved to watch grow and hear about all the various sports they were involved in. He loved and was inspired by them. Also to his special friends Bob Nelson and Joe Blaedorn for their support and always continued friendship. To the wonderful care given to Dave, Dr. John Udell and all the hospice team, words cannot convey our love and appreciation.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 30th at 7:00 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse with Pastor David Leistekow officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 7:30 PM. Memorials may be given to the Gundersen Foundation, Gundersen Hospice, Childrens Miracle Network, Immanuel Lutheran Church or Mt. Calvary Ev. Lutheran Church.