David W. Stelsel

David W. Stelsel, Sr., 91, of The Villages, FL, died Thursday, April 24, 2014 at The Villages.

Dave was born March 18, 1923 in Fond du Lac the son of Guy and Margaret Jones Stelsel.  Dave was a graduate of Waupun High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University.  He was a LTJG officer with the U.S. Navy during WWII.  On March 9, 1945 Dave married Jean Lawson in Milwaukee.  Following their marriage the couple resided in Waupun until they moved to The Villages, FL in 2013.  Dave owned and operated the Ford dealership in Waupun for 40 years and in its later years was known as Dave Stelsel Ford. He was a member and retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves.  He was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Waupun for many years.  Dave and Jean enjoyed traveling with their motor home and also traveling overseas.  He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam.

Dave is survived by his wife, Jean G. Stelsel of The Villages, FL; a daughter, Mardi (Daniel) Hoffman of The Villages, FL; a son, David W. (Connie) Stelsel, Jr. of Waupun; five grandchildren: Tricia (Chris) Cremeens, Shane Hoffman, Ryan (Nicole) Hoffman, David W. (Dana) Stelsel III, and Kirk (Laura) Stelsel; five great-grandchildren: Caenan and Finley Cremeens, Anabelle and Piper Hoffman, and Ford Stelsel.

Dave was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Stelsel.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at The Villages, FL on May 24, 2014.  There will be services at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Beaver Dam at a later date.

Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family.  Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.