David G. Rach

David G. Rach, 80, of La Crosse, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Riverside Transitional Care. He was born on May 28, 1941 in La Crosse to Albert and Cassie Rach. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1960, where he was a star football player. After graduation he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960-1964. He played semi-pro football for a couple of years while in the service. He worked at La Crosse Cooler, Co. for a while. He then worked for Milwaukee Road (later Canadian Pacific) as an iron worker on bridges for 30 years, retiring in May of 2001. He married his companion and best friend of 23 years, Helen Burkum on March 21, 2000 in Laughlin, NV. He enjoyed outdoor activities, fishing, hunting, pontooning on the Mississippi, softball and golf. Dave loved to travel spending time in Key West, FL, South Padre Island, TX, Arizona and frequent trips to the Dog Track in Dubuque, IA. His favorite activity was catching a few cold ones with the boys at the Bluffside.

He is survived by his wife Helen, stepson Brian (Bobbette) Burkum, step grandsons Eric (Sara) Burkum, Michael (Tiana) Murray and step granddaughter Kaylee Murray, step great-grandson Nolan Murray, sisters-in-law Karen Gudmundson and Connie Adam, brothers-in-law Larry (Marianne) Burkum and Dennis (Donna) Schantz, great niece Dana Wilder, great nephew DuWayne (Angie) Wilder, several great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Harold and Thelma Burkum, paternal and maternal grandparents, sister Alice Lamb, nephew Gordie Wilder, niece Lisa Olson and several cousins.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Riverside Transitional staff in hallway 100 for the care they provided. Special thanks to 2 ^nd shift nurse Michael for his compassion.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 21, 2022 at Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. S. Deacon Bob Zietlow will officiate. Military honors will take place at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 10 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.