Dave Bavlnka

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our husband and dad - David Bavlnka, 77, of Sun Prairie on June 9, 2025 after a short battle with cancer.

Dave was born on December 17, 1947 in Mosinee, Wisconsin to Rudy and Loretta Bavlnka. He was the oldest of seven children and the big brother to one brother and five sisters.

Dave grew up in Mosinee and was active in football and wrestling in high school. He was part of the teams that won state titles in football and was a state champion in wrestling. After high school he attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire on a full scholarship. He loved his time at Dartmouth and the experiences it provided, including playing on the Dartmouth Rugby Club. After graduation, he returned to Wisconsin where he attended UW- Milwaukee earning a Masters in Urban Affairs. He worked for the City of Milwaukee and for Schlitz Brewing Company in the sales department. He joined the Milwaukee Rugby Football Club and played for several years. Dave met Patti at a party after a rugby game and they were married in 1974. Dave and Patti just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in March. They were blessed with three sons, Kevin, Tim, and Marc.

Dave enjoyed the beer business and after working for Schlitz, he worked for Stroh and Heileman. Later Dave and his family moved to Sun Prairie where he joined the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board as VP of Marketing for the dairy farm families of Wisconsin. He enjoyed promoting milk, butter and especially our great Wisconsin cheeses!

Dave loved playing golf with his golf buddies and looked forward to their special times together. Their friendship meant the world to him. In addition to golf, Dave owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle and went on many adventures around the country over the years.

Dave, Patti and the boys enjoyed road trips to National and State Parks and exploring Door County. After retirement, Dave and Patti took annual road trips visiting our beautiful National Parks and practicing their photography skills. Dogs were also a part of Dave’s life - he especially enjoyed their greetings when he walked through the door. As an avid sports fan, he cheered on the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers and watched golf tournaments every weekend.

Dave is survived by his wife Patti, sons, Kevin (Chelsey), Tim, and Marc. His brother Duane Bavlnka (Linda), and sisters, June Bavlnka (Joe Fernandez), Joan Harris (Doug), Rita Kuelbs (Doug), Sharon LaRose ( Aaron), and Karen Masinelli. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. We ask that you remember Dave in your own special way, with a smile and a toast.

Our family would like to thank the care team at Madison East Hospital who provided respectful, compassionate care to Dave and caring support to our family at the end of his illness.

To our Dave/Dad : We will cherish the constant love you gave us, your unique sense of humor, your pride and support for us and your understanding and acceptance of our strengths, differences and potentials. Thank you for your guidance. You were the best dad and husband and took good care of us. You were our rock - solid and strong. We will miss you.

Love you always, Patti, Kevin, Chelsey, Tim and Marc

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054