David Lee King

David L. King, 82 of Fond du Lac, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 4, 1938 in Fond du Lac, the son of Darwin “George” & Lucille (Wood) King. On June 2, 1962, he married Lillian Moses at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.



Survivors include his wife of 58 years Lillian and children Sandra (Keith Echer) King, Janet (Paul) Osterholm, Sr., Col (ret.) David (Vicki) King, James (Christine) King, Ann Marie (Jason) Johnson, and Michael (Jennifer) King. He was the best Papa to Paul Jr. (Katie) Osterholm, Marguerite (Adam Geiser) Osterholm, David Jr. (MaryBeth) King, Madeline King, Elizabeth King, Mason King, Gracie King and great-granddaughter Oakleigh Osterholm. He is further survived by his sisters and brothers Delores Ivey, Joan Nagy, Geraldine “Gerry” Develice, Mary (Kerry) Nelson, Kenneth (Karen) King, and Donna (Steve) Faris and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Audrey King, Noel Buetow, George (Carol) Moses, and many nieces and nephews.



He was preceded in death by his parents Darwin “George” & Lucille King, in-laws Elias & Rose Moses, brothers George "Donald", Robert “Sudsy”, John King and two infant brothers. His grandchildren Adam & Alexander King, Baby Geiser, and his brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Stanley Develice, James Ivey, John & Therese Delfeld, Robert & Nenatte Donovan, and Kenneth Buetow. Nephews Todd Buetow & Jessie King.



David attended L.P. Goodrich High School before joining the United States Air Force where he served as a member of the Military Police in Texas, Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, and Arizona. Upon returning to Fond du Lac after the service, he worked at Sears and helped his father lay carpet for the family business. He then met the love of his life Lily. The two began raising their family of six children when he became an employee at Wisconsin Department of Corrections in Waupun and later Galloway West. David then owned Captain Clean and sold insurance for Mutual of Omaha before finally retiring from Mercury Marine after 25 years. When Lily retired and opened Fondy’s favorite Cool Beans & Bagels shop, he served as her “handyman.” Along with his brother-in-law Stanley Develice, David was also known as Patches the Clown, participating in local parades and visiting children in the hospital.



During his career, David graduated from Moraine Park Technical College with a degree in HVAC. A member of Holy Family Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, David also served on the board of directors for the Fond du Lac Blue Line Hockey Club, Fond du Lac Quarterback Club, and Fond du Lac Bowling Association. An avid bowler, David was inducted into the FDL Bowling Hall of Fame and has been recognized by the International Bowling Hall of Fame for his “perfect game.” Throughout his bowling career, David was a participant on Wisconsin’s televised Bowling With Champs and achieved many successes winning numerous professional bowling events and earning many high series games including individual game highs of 300, 299, 298, 297.



One of David’s greatest passions was watching individuals succeed. He coached football at St. Joseph Catholic School, hockey at Blue Line, and bowling for youth & high school players at all of the local bowling alleys. David truly loved attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren and looked forward to continuing that tradition with his great grandchildren. Not only could he be seen at every bowling, football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball game, figure skating, dance & cheer competition, school play, dance recital for his children and grandchildren, he would attend nearly every practice “encouraging” them along the way and all the way home.



David and his family are truly thankful for the opportunity given to him by both the Trepanier and Hilbert families. He will be dearly missed by his wife and family.



Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Holy Family Church, 271 4th St. Way, Fond du Lac, WI, 54937. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the church at 1:00 PM. Entombment will follow the service at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery. Military graveside services will take place at the mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com