David ‘Dave’ Urbanek

December 19, 1962 - May 8, 2022

David Alan Urbanek, 59, passed away peacefully at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse on Sunday, May 8, 2022, surrounded by his family and loving wife, Anne.

Dave was born on December 19, 1962, in La Crosse to Barbara (Schroeder) and La Verne Urbanek. He enjoyed growing up in Chaseburg, WI, with his siblings Dennis, Debbie and Dawn. His favorite childhood pastimes included fishing on the banks of Coon Creek and getting into mischief with his siblings.

Following graduation from Westby Area High School in 1981, Dave attended UW-Platteville, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering. Dave worked primarily in mining equipment sales. His career took him to exciting places all over the world, where he educated companies on the functions of the products he represented. Traveling was not the only aspect of his career he enjoyed, the friendships he made along the way were an extraordinary perk to a job he already cherished.

In 2001, Dave married the love of his life, Anne. Together they enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and chasing after their beloved German Shorthaired Pointer, Tess. In his free time, Dave could be found hunting, fishing or enjoying a sporting event. He had a strong passion for Wisconsin sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Dave’s hearing miraculously remained intact despite Anne’s cheering and yelling throughout years of watching Packers games.

Dave is survived by his wife, Annette; parents, Barbara and La Verne Urbanek; siblings, Dennis (Deb) Urbanek, Debbie Urbanek and Dawn Urbanek; nephew, Ben (Taylor) Urbanek; great-niece Everleigh, niece, Katie (Bryce) Peters, great-nephew Archie, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his baby brother, Douglas; maternal grandparents, Herbert and Bernice Schroeder; paternal grandparents, William and Emma Urbanek, and beloved dog, Tess.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at Schumacher Kish Funeral Home at 200 West Ave. in La Crosse, followed by a small prayer service. Dave’s friends and family are invited to Dennis and Deb Urbanek’s residence following the service for a light lunch and refreshments.

Dave’s family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Health System’s Onalaska dialysis site for all the years of superior care. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Gundersen Health System’s hospital for caring for Dave with empathy and compassion during his final hours. He truly passed away in peace.

Lastly, thank you to his wife, Anne, for selflessly caring for Dave each and every day. Her ability to overcome obstacles and challenges was that of a superhero. Thank you, Anne, for your love, devotion and dedication.

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