David Lex Hayes

David Lex Hayes, 81 of La Crosse, WI., passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 23, 2022 following a brave fight with cancer.  David was born in La Crosse September 24, 1940 to Alex and Millie (Grace) Ristow.  He was adopted by Justin Hayes in 1946 when his mother remarried.  He lived in Gustine, CA., until the age of 9 until he came back to La Crosse to live with grandparents Harry and Emma (Engler) Grace.  Dave attended Hamilton, Lincoln and Central High School from where he graduated in 1958.  His first job was a pin setter at South Lanes Bowling alley.  He went on to work at Swift and Company, Norplex Oak and Chart from where he retired.  He married Shirley King on May 25, 1963 in Carson City, Nevada.  Their daughter Jacqueline was born in June of 1965.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Jacqueline (Bill) Pritchard, granddaughters Danica (Nathan Jr.) Oldenburg and Samara Pritchard. He is further survived by his great grandson Nathan “Tripp” Oldenburg III, sister-in-law Sandy King and half brother Richard Hayes.  He was preceded in death by grandparents, parents and half brother Tom Hayes.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cancer Center at Gundersen Health System for their professional and compassionate care which allowed Dave to live long enough to meet his first great grandson and to do some of the things he loved.  In keeping with his very expressed wishes, there will be no visitation or services.