David A. Patoka

David Andrew
Patoka, 79, passed away May 21, 2020 surrounded by his loving wife and three
children at St. Agnes Hospital. He was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on
February 11, 1941. David was an Army Reserve veteran and proud Mercury Marine
retiree of 43 years. He also enjoyed his many years working for Natural Stone
Veneers International Inc.


David spent
55 years married to the love of his life Karen. He was preceded in death by his
daughter Mary Lynn; his beloved parents Florian and Joan Patoka; sister and
brother-in-law Elaine and Roger Bauer; mother and father-in-law Sylvester and
Margaret Birschbach; sister-in-law Carol Birschbach; brothers-in-law Dick Stoegbauer
and Jim Mand. He is survived by his wife; children, Terry and Reyna Patoka of Troutman,
NC, Jodi and Thomas Hawkins Jr of Rome, NY, Timothy and Kayla Patoka of
Oconomowoc, WI; exchange student who grew to become a daughter, Mercedes Abellan
Diaz of Mercia, Spain; grandchildren Cindy Alvarez, Giovanni Alvarez, Korbyn
and Brandon Prust, Thomas Hawkins III, Teira Hawkins, Aleigha and Robert
Decker, Kelsey and Joshua Zick, and Kaden Patoka; great-grandchildren Nicole,
Violet, Augyst, Aryzona, Benjamin, and baby Zick who is due in November; god
children Kay Butzke and Maurine Norris; and many nieces and nephews.


David had a
passion for working with his hands, designing, and creating in his workshop. He
particularly loved creating things with his loved ones. He loved traveling with
his family and creating new memories with his children and grandchildren. He
made many fond memories with the Buechel boys Joe, Jason, and Jesse on their
road trips for NSVI, where he became known as “Crockett”. He developed a meaningful
bond with niece Lori Ransom who held a special place in his heart. David spent
many fond years with family friends John and Agnes Schmitz, Norman and Doris
Nickel, and the late Geri and Bob Schneider. He was so thankful for his family
at Club Olympia Fitness, the YMCA, and Planet Fitness.


David loved family
and friends in his own unique way. He departed us while supporting his
great-granddaughter battling leukemia by having his head shaved. This is the
perfect example of how he led his life, with dedication.


The family
expresses many thanks to St. Agnes Hospital ICU staff, who helped our beloved
husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle in his transition to
be with the Lord.


Due to
coronavirus related restrictions, a celebration of life event will be held at a
later date. The family requests no flowers; a memorial has been established to
support two great-granddaughters’ fight against congenital heart disease and
leukemia. Please write donations to Dave Patoka Memorial Fund,  126 Southlake Circle, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935.