David “Dave” Thomas Josifek
David “Dave” Thomas Josifek, 71, Cadott, died peacefully, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health in Eau Claire.
Dave was born April 14, 1952, the son of Jaroslav (Jerry) and Lucille (Buske) Josifek, in Chippewa Falls.
He attended and graduated from Cadott Community Schools in 1970. He was a member of the FFA, Letter Club, was a prom attendant, participant in Badger Boys’ State and served in several leadership positions in his respective activities, as well as class vice president.
During his high school years, Dave was a star athlete on his basketball team and participated in the high jump, shotput and discus throw, in track and field. His enthusiasm carried forth into his adult years, where he engaged in golf with his family and buddies, played on softball teams, and was a member of bowling and dart leagues.
In the fall of 1970, Dave attended UW-River Falls. He graduated four years later, with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences. Following graduation, he returned to the family farm, where he partnered with his brother, Don, operating a successful dairy business for many years.
When the dairy operation ceased, the brothers became crop farmers. The farm was a welcoming place for friends and neighbors, to gather and discuss farming, machinery, cars, sports, crops, the weather; any reason just to visit.
Dave married the love of his life, Mary Wekkin, March 22, 1994, in Chippewa Falls. He became a stepfather to Mary’s two adult children, Jon and Todd Wekkin, and loving stepgrandfather to their children.
He was always kind and caring. His easy-going personality allowed him to make friends readily. If there was a project that his friends and neighbors needed help with, he willingly volunteered.
As a lifelong learner, Dave learned the Bohemian language, which was spoken by his paternal grandparents, who immigrated from Czechoslovakia. In addition, he was self-taught at playing the guitar and the harmonica. He loved blues music and enjoyed attending concerts, and listening to famous blues artists.
Dave also brushed up on his baking skills and mastered the art of cooking just about anything, including several heirloom recipes. Oftentimes, his ventures took him into the forest to pick mushrooms for his delicacies or wild asparagus from the ditch.
As an avid gardener, Dave took pleasure in learning the skills of growing, harvesting, and canning or dehydrating produce. He planted a grove of grapevines and used the fruit to make wine.
Dave’s pastime favorite activities were reading, watching Jeopardy on TV and cheering for the Green Bay Packers football team. Dave was most at ease, though, taking care of animals and driving his tractor through the fields of the farm.
He was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 2002. His neighbor and good friend, Jim Jones, voluntarily agreed to become a living kidney donor and in December 2003, the transplant occurred.
Dave and his family are forever grateful for this gift of life.
He is survived by his loving wife – Mary, of 29 years; stepchildren – Jon (Jessica), Todd (Molly); stepgrandchildren – Macey, Caleb and Brandon; siblings – Virginia Metzdorf, Richard (Diane) Josifek, Karen (Vance) Olson, Donald Josifek, Kathleen (Brian) Goodman and Janet Josifek (Jim Kohl); sister-in-law – Erma Josifek; aunt – Thelma Josifek; four nieces; one nephew; six grandnieces; two grandnephews and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers – Earl, Robert and John Josifek.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be scheduled for the summer, at the Bohemian Hall in Cadott.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in David’s name, to the ZCBJ #141, C/O Dana Carlson, 6316 County Hwy. H, Stanley, WI 54768.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.leiserfuneralhome. com. His family wishes to thank the doctors, medical and nursing staff, and the palliative care team at Mayo Health care.
