David A. Bachmann

David A. “Dave” Bachmann, aged 74, of Wheeling, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 2, 2023. He was born March 25, 1949 to Bernard and Bonnie (Kolbo) Bachmann In La Crosse. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church.

David met Dianne Ammerman on January 2, 1970 at the roller skating rink in La Crescent, Minn and soon discovered they were members of the same church. David always said, “When you know, you know.” They wed on August 15, 1970 and after almost 53 years of marriage they still held hands, kissed good night and said, “I love you.” In 1971 David and Dianne loaded their possessions into a U-haul trailer and moved to Illinois but they always remained Wisconsinites at heart.

David was proficient in both piano and organ. He started piano lessons at age 7 and played organ at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church while in junior high school. He also played organ and directed the choirs at both Trinity Lutheran and Christ Episcopal Churches. He was the accompanist at Logan Junior High, Logan High School, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Lutheran Hospital Follies (“Pills-A-Poppin”). He was a musician for several productions at the Community Theater and enjoyed the family sing alongs at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.

David graduated from Logan High School in 1967, attended St. Olaf for a year completing his degree at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. David continued his education at Northwestern University earning a master’s degree in Music.

While continuing his education, David was Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette and taught piano and organ students. After graduation, he spent his entire teaching career at New Trier East High School in Winnetka, Illinois, teaching choral music and music theory. He was the accompanist and assistant conductor of the renowned Apollo Chorus of Chicago, playing the organ for such pieces as Handel’s Messiah.

David enjoyed having his kids visit him at school and attend his concerts. The pandemic gave him the opportunity to teach his grandsons piano via video chat. Teaching allowed David to spend his summers with his family. Road trips with the van and pop-up camper created many happy memories. No matter the flat tires, bats in awnings, squirrels in campers, raccoons in coolers, and the occasional broken bone, David always made the best of the situation.

David never bragged about his accomplishments. He was more proud of his children, their lives and the adults they had become. David treated everyone with respect and kindness.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dianne; children, Christopher (Maria) Bachmann, Andrew (Winnie) Bachmann, Sarah (Pete) Bachmann-Lane, Scott (Kat) Bachmann; grandsons, Nathan and Cyrus Bachmann. He is further survived by his mother, Bonnie Bachmann; sisters, Carrol (Rich) Everson and Barbara (Gary) Teschner and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Bachmann.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St, La Crosse, WI 54603. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Onalaska Cemetery.