David Anthony Breister's Obituary
Family, kindness, integrity, generosity, hard work, sense of humor, and grit are just a few of the words that describe our loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend - David A. Breister. David Breister passed away on June 7, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Fond du Lac on July 14, 1938 to Hugo and Marcella Breister. David was the youngest of 7 children - his oldest sibling was 19 years his elder. David inherited the nickname ‘Butch’ by his older siblings who often toted him around town in the baskets of their bikes.
David graduated from St. Mary Springs highschool in 1956. He then joined the Army reserves and attended the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. He graduated college with a degree in Business. He also worked at Piggly Wiggly where he met the love of his life Cecilia Davis. They were united in marriage on October 9, 1965. Until David’s passing, he carried a special receipt in his wallet that held Ceil’s name and phone number along with the change from the ice cream he purchased in her check out line at the Pig.
David worked at Rockwell International/AxleTech in the Finance department for 30 years. During his tenure there he held a variety of positions focused primarily on materials, supply chain, and budgets. He became notorious for his ‘Budgets by Dave’ which he readily created for the kids’ friends - whether they wanted a budget or not. David and Cecilia volunteered their time as marriage preparation leaders for 25 years. As leaders, they talked with couples preparing for marriage about the three most important things that guided their marriage - 1. Keep God in your marriage 2. Communicate with each other, and 3. Keep a sense of humor. Clearly Ceil and Dave lived by their words; they have been married for 57 years.
David and Cecilia were blessed with three children - Colleen, Lisa, and James. They were later blessed with two sons in law and one daughter in law followed by six grandchildren. Colleen/Dan Bissett - Joseph (24), Rachael (22); Lisa/Andy Hughes - David (22), Samuel (20); Jim/Kaye Breister - Emily (21), Erin (17) all lived near David and Cecilia so they were fortunate to spend lots of time with their kids and grandkids.
David and Cecilia enjoyed trips to the north woods at Lotto's cabin, summer vacations driving to different states in the station wagon, many years of Florida vacations, and tons of fun with family and friends over the years.
There was no greater happiness for David than time spent with his family.
David is survived by his loving wife, Cecilia; three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, his older brother Robert (Angeline) Breister and numerous extended family members and friends. David was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Marcella Breister, Ceil’s parents, Jim and Blanche Davis, siblings Clayton Breister, wife Sophie; Ken Breister, wife Bea, Jack Breister, wife LaVerne; sister Genevieve Kelly; brother William Breister, wife Barbara; brother-in-law Jerry Davis, nephews Greg Breister, Greg Davis, Scott Davis; nieces Jeanne Fowler and Barbara Spang.
David was a generous man who volunteered his time and resources to help others. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or Father Carr’s Place 2 B. If you wish, please submit online condolences to fissbillspoklasnyfuneralhome.com
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11 am at Most Blessed Sacrament (St. Peter's Church at 449 High Ave). Father Jerry Pastors will be the celebrant. Visitation will be held at on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Fiss & Bills Funeral Home at 865 S. Westhaven Drive from 4 to 7 pm. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday at the church from 10 am until the time of Mass. Private family committal services will be held.
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