Born to the late Jerome and Lucille (née Heinz) Kleiber, he was a beloved big brother to Gary (Stella) of Kronenwetter, Ronnie of Colby, formerly of Medford, and the late Warren of Medford.
Loving husband to Susie (née Hartman) of Medford, father of Kristie Bergman (Eric Norum) of Phillips, and Lisa Lukes (Brandi) of Catawba.
Proud grandfather to Ryan Bergman of Phillips and Finn Lukes of Catawba.
Brother-in-law to the late Mike Hartman, Bill (Billy Boy) Hartman (Deanna) and Peggy Brecke (Ron).
He is also survived by his faithful canine companion, Fiddle, with whom he watched many Brewers and Packers games.
In his younger years, Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping along the banks of The Black River at the homestead farm with his brother Gary, instilling a great love for nature.
Upon graduation from Medford Senior High, and being an incredible, gifted athlete with a love for baseball, he tried out for the Milwaukee Braves and was told he could improve on a few things.
Afterwards, he then decided to join the Navy and serve his country and was stationed in Spain. While overseas, his mother got a call from the Reds expressing interest in his baseball abilities. However, she didn't fully realize the importance of that call and didn't tell him until years later.
When his commitment to the Navy was complete, he relocated to Milwaukee and sought employment in a leadership role at a machine job shop that made brake presses. Dave was also employed in a butcher shop, and it was then that he chose to further his education and enrolled at The National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio.
Deft with the knife, he came back to Medford and was employed behind the meat counter at The Holiday Village and later became the Meat Manager at The Medford Cooperative for a number of years.
Changing his career path later in life, Dave gained employment at Weather Shield Custom Products, making many friends, as well as specialty windows, and later retired from there.
Dave, an avid sportsman, loved the great outdoors and was happiest while in the woods or on the water. From dropping a few lines in Chelsea Lake and ruffed grouse hunting throughout the Chequamegan with his daughters while they were young, to taking his son-in-law on a Canadian moose hunt and deer hunting with his family in Catawba, or ice fishing on Crane Chase Lake with his grandsons, he most enjoyed his time spent with his family.
Strong in his Catholic faith, he was also a long time member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
A private family service is being planned for a later date.
Hemer Funeral Services of Medford and Rib Lake have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.
