David Wishau

David Wishau, 84 passed away on August 16, 2013, at the Veteran’s Home in Union Grove. David was born on May 28, 1929, to the late Arkley “Bud” and Esther (nee: Kasper) Wishau.

David was a Corporal in the Army and served with the 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion as a cannoneer in the Korean War. When he returned home, he and his best friend co-owned and operated Wright & Wishau Contractors from 1954 until they retired in 1992.

David married Betty Jane McGregor on October 12, 1963. They settled in Wind Point not far from where he grew up. Dave had an incredible passion for living life to its fullest. He learned and loved to play golf at Shoop Park which was literally in his backyard his entire life; he was a fantastic dart ball player with too many trophies and titles to mention, an avid Green Bay Packers fan and rarely missed a Racine Raiders game or Fourth of July parade.

Dave traveled to many places but made Las Vegas an annual stop for over 50 years. He loved to hang around the local coffee shops and shoot the breeze with the guys and had a special connection with all the waitresses who served him day in and day out for decades. He was mild mannered, cheerful and polite with a generous heart the size of the Grand Canyon, another one of his favorite places.

Dave is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Wishau and Elizabeth Nielsen; daughter-in-law, Carol Wishau; granddaughters, Kelsey Wishau and Rachel (Steve) Petraski; grandson, Anthony (Patience) Vitacco; five great-grandchildren, Autumn, Emily, Olivia, Sophia and Rocco; sister, Elaine Wishau; brothers, John (Gene) Wishau, Bill (Marilyn) Wishau; sister-in-law, Betty Lou Wishau; brother-in-law, Oscar “Jerry” Franseen; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Betty Jane; business partner and best friend Walter Wright; son, Patrick Wishau; step-daughter, Phyllis Sweet; brother, Arkley “Bud”; sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Larsen and Hazel Franseen; and brother-in-law, Amos Larsen.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 11 a.m. with Reverend Michael Mueller officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Memorial donations to the Racine Zoo, 200 Goold St., Racine, WI 53402 or Riverbend Nature Center at 3600 N. Green Bay Road, Racine, Wisconsin 53404 have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. Tierney and the cardiac team at All Saints along with the staff at Boland Hall and Vitas Hospice Care for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888