David Marvin Mahnke - Guestbook

Dear Denise, Darleen, Doreen & Mike and families:

It has been quite a few year's since we have all been together. When my mom (Donna Adrian) called to tell me of the sudden calling home of your parents to their eternal home, she went on to tell me of many family stories.

Dave was always her big cousin, who always got to do everything before her, even driving a car. She wanted so bad for him to take her places in his big green Buick! She recalled stories of playing volleyball at St. Jacobi, in Greenfield and going to play cards at Jay and Sharon Pede's house. One night he missed a step and got a big gash in his head...first they all laughed and then realizes it was a deep cut (but she doesn't remember if he got stitches, this is over 30 years ago)

I remember Dave, my Godfather, and Carole always giving me coins, in packages, right from the Mint for Christmas and Birthday gifts. And one year they even gave me a huge box of sea shells, which are probably still in my parent's basement!

I don't have any words to comfort you and tell you why this accident took them at such a young age, but I hope you rejoice in knowing they are together in heaven with our Lord and Savior, the final destination we will all reach!

Pam Hunt, for the Adrian Family

To My Brother Dave,

Just returned from Brenham, brought my whole family along. Your daughters did a beautiful job in your memory. It was a very special day for you and Carole. You two would not believe how many people loved and cared about you. Your wonderful friends knew you so well. They talked about your kindness, your caring and your love. You were truly filled with the Holy Spirit, and are now with our Lord and Savior.

Both of you would have been so excited to learn who all came. Your best friend Jay from grade school and high school flow in. Remember that 8th Grade graduation party. Jay says he is still sorry about breaking mom’s table. He remembered how upset she was.

It seems like it was just yesterday we were at Denise & Joel’s wedding. You were so happy that someone from the family would be able to watch you walk your daughter down the isle. You had tears and told me it was a very emotional time for you and you needed my support.

We had a great time at the reception, but my favorite was just lying on the bed with you, Don, and Carole. Talking about your special trip to Costa Rica and how beautiful it was there. We talked about old times like when my books fell through the hole in the floor of your 53’ Buick. The teachers at Wisconsin Lutheran would not believe my story. We also laughed about you and Don talking the jump together with your sled on killer hill at Mitchell Park. I do believe you and Don brought mom and dad the sled back in pieces.

I loved trying to sing Spanish songs with Denise, Joel and his friends. I loved jumping on the bed with your grandchildren. I loved kidding you about turning 2 years older then me in a just a few weeks, but then Carole had to remind me that I would remain older than her for several more weeks also.

The very best of all, were the special hugs and kisses. The many phone calls you placed after the wedding to thank us for coming and the promise that we would see all of you again in just 5 short months.

As I sit here with tears in my eyes, I can here you say, like when I was a little child. “Dudy Cry, Dudy Cry, help her, help her.” “I don’t like to hear Dudy cry.” So Dave, I will stop crying, I know you would want me to. I know that Christ has washed all our sins away, prepared a place for us and we will see you soon.

Love,

Judy and Don

To My Big Brother:

What am I ever going to do without you? You were always there when I needed you and now I need you more than ever. Who am I going to call? Who will listen to me and all my questions and problems? How am suppose to get through a summer without your annual visit? You were suppose to stay here in August. I'm really mad at you right now but you know I never could stay mad for long, you wouldn't let me. So help me out here and give me one of your big hugs and that big dumb smile if only in a dream. Your girls and Mike will be alright. They have an adopted Mom and Dad now Uncle Pat and me. We will do anything for your kids as you would do for us. I know you would have been mad at me for helping to carry you to your final resting place but I did it you weren't heavy you're my brother.When you left you took a piece of my heart. So hang on to it for now and I'll come and collect it one day. Pat says he lost his best friend and HIS BROTHER. He misses you so deeply. We love you so very much. Thanks for that phone call I got before you left it was my last one. Until we meet again Big Bro. I Love you now and forever. Little Sis

I am very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers. Uncle Dave and Aunt Carol may not be on this earth anymore but they always will be in hearts and memories. May they rest in peace with our father in heaven.

Love,

Terri, Andy and Bailey Hust

Denise, Joel and Family:

In memory of your Dad and Mom, I found this poem I wanted to share with you....

"We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death
we do the same. It broke our
hearts to lose you, you did not go
alone; for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home. You
left us peaceful memories, your love
is still our guide; and though we
cannot see you, you are always at our
side. Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again."

May God bless you,
Irene Tusing and Family

I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Mahnke Family,

We had the privilege of meeting Dave and Carol for the first time at our daughter and son-in-law's wedding almost six years ago. Even though we had only seen them a few times over the past six years, we knew they were very special people. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. It is unimaginable what you must be going through. May it comfort you to know that they are surely in heaven reaping their eternal reward. They were some of the nicest, giving people we ever met.

Mark and Lois Keating
(Jeremy Wielgosh's in-laws)

Darleen and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories of your parents comfort you during this time. Remember that they are in heaven watching over you and will be with you always.
Love,
Tammi and Brooks Birkhimer

Denise,
I am so sorry for your loss. I want you to know you are in my thoughts. If there is anything I can do for you, please know that I am here for you.

-Lesley

With deepest sympathy and prayers to Darlene and her Family

My thoughts and prayers and with all of you and your families. We have many memories with Uncle Dave and Aunt Carol. Uncle Dave and his cribbage games with Jeremy, Aunt Carol calling Tyler "BooBoo-Bear", all of the summer vacations we have spent together with them, laughing at me because I was scared to death of any bug that would come near me or buzz in my ear. Auntie Carol wrapping her legs around seaweed, pulling it out with her legs and swimming it to shore just to help out. Uncle Dave's laugh and his tight, loving hugs. Auntie Carol and her wonderful sense of humor. They were the most generous and loving people that I have ever met. I will cherish all of the memories and feel honored and priviledged that I was able to be a part of their lives. To know that they are together, in heaven, brings me great comfort and I know that they will always be watching down on their loved ones.

Dad,

I can not even begin to tell you how much I love and miss you.
I so cherish your daily phone calls to me. We had our ups and downs just like any family but through it all we always loved each other.
I am so glad my boys got to know you. They loved you so much and will miss the time with you.
Please know that no matter what happened in my life I always knew you were there loving me.
You are the best father in the whole world and I will miss you so much it hurts.
Please tell Grandma and Grandpa how much I love them and save a place for me.
I will cherish all the memories we have forever.
I love you!
Denise,
Joel, Robert, Johnson and Andrew

Our prayers are with you and your family.

Denise and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our prayers are with you and your family.

Doreen and Family,

God is taking very good care of your parents!
They will always be with you and you will see
them again one day!!! If you need anything
don't forget that I am not far away!
Pam Stevenson

To Dad and Pappa Dave,
Where do I start. The I found out about your accident was truly the hardest day of my life. God had a plan for both of you. And little did we know this was planned way before we knew.

You were a great father who was caring and generous and thoughtful. I cherished every daily phone call that you made to call and tell us you loved us.

I am so glad that you are not left in this life without mom. Because in my heart, I know you would never had made it. God gave you both a great life, with many happy times, great children, great grandchildren and many friends and family.

The last few years of your life you spent traveling, which was your most favorite thing to do. We can never change what has happened and we must trust in God knowing that you are safe with him.

Your brother sent a letter to all of us that helped ease our pain today when we woke up on Mom's birthday. He told us some stories of when you were young and his memories of your times together. You would be so proud of your sisters (Kay and Judy) and their husbands (Pat and Don) for giving us support and love in this great time of sorrow.

We miss you dearly. And I am glad you got to talk the best trip of your life to Heaven.

We love you. Doreen, David, Dylan and Dawson.

Darlene,

I can only imagine the sorrow that you and your family are experiencing. Please know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. May God's blessings be with you and your family.

Louis Bremer

Darlene,

I can only imagine the sorrow that you and your family are experiencing. Please know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. May God's blessings be with you and your family.

Louis Bremer

Dad,
I miss you more than words can say. This past week without you has been filled with unimaginable grief. We expected you to come home from your trip and were awaiting the stories of your adventures. We never expected that horrible phone call telling us there had been an accident. Our lives have been forever changed.

You called each of us before you left. Never did we think that our last phone call would be the very last time I could tell you I loved you. Had I know, I would have said it over and over again.

I miss your smile, your laugh and everything about you. You were the most generous man, who took always care of your family and our Mom. I expected to have you in our lives for years and years to come, you were so young. I expected you to be able to see my little girl grow up.

I don't know how we will go on without you. Every day will be different, every holiday will be a reminder that you are no longer with us. There is a huge hole in our hearts and lives. I will miss not being able to talk with you and to see you. I want you to know that we know you are watching over us, we have seen the signs. As hard as it has been to have lost both you and Mom, we know you would not have wanted to live without her - she was the love of your life.

I am proud to be your daughter and I am proud to call you my DAD! I miss you so much!

Love to you always and forever, until we meet again, your daughter Darlene

Darlene,

To lose both parents suddenly is a hurt that only time and God can heal. Everyone is thinking and praying for you and your family. You are not alone in your grief.
Love,
Art and Bernie McDonald

Where do I start? Uncle Dave & Aunt Carole were the two most unselfish people I have ever known. They’d give you the shirt off their backs. Whether it was both of them helping Nicole & I move into our first house, or helping pull out weeds from our flower beds, or just taking time to talk to us. Anytime there was a project going on during their visits to Wisconsin, neither one would hesitate to jump in and help out. I will always cherish every moment that I was able to spend with them. I’m really going to miss playing Uncle Dave in cribbage and almost always winning his quarters. Even though he lost he would want a re-match. My pockets were always a little fatter until they went home to Texas. But what I enjoyed the most was taunting back and forth between he and I. Uncle Dave was always good for a lot laughs and personality brightened the worst day. The same can also be said about Aunty Carole. I could always count on her to be willing to talk to me about life and share her infinite wisdom with me. I never once saw her sitting down and relaxing on any of their annual visits to Wisconsin. She was always saying, “Put me to work, what do you need done”. Everyone says that god has a master plan and that only he knows what that plan is. The world seems a little bit sadder without the two of them. But, I do take comfort in the fact that they’re finding out what the master plan together in heaven. That the two of them loved each other dearly, and they will continue to watch over us until we see them again. We’re all better people for even knowing you two and I’m proud to call you my Aunt and Uncle. So, Aunty Carole and Uncle Dave (Bubba)… we love you and will miss you until we see you again. Bubba I hope you’re saving up your quarters.

Love always!!!!
Jeremy, Nicole and Tyler Wielgosh

Denise and family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Tom & Michele Vanecek

Scott and I are deeply saddened by the loss of your parents. I have such fond memories of your parents growing up. We feel very fortunate to have visited with your family just recently. We truly loved your parents – my godparents- and the memories will live in our hearts forever. Scott and I know what it is like to lose a parent suddenly and we found much comfort in the words and prayers of others. Our prayer for your family is that you find comfort in God’s word and the support of others while knowing that your parents will live forever in your hearts!

Love and Prayers,

Scott and Lori Manning Family

Kathy & Jim McDonald -- My deepest sympathies in the loss of your brother David and his wife Carole. May your memories be a comfort to you both. I just want to let you know that I'm thinking about you and praying for you and your family. With love, your friend, Marilyn (Ruggles) Archibald

I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family.

Candy

To the whole Family of Dave and Carole:

May God Bless you all.

You all may not know us, but we met Dave and Carole a few times through get-togethers with the Wielgosh's. They were such wonderful people with great stories. We enjoyed seeing them and talking to them. They will be missed dearly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Doreen, Darlene, Denise, & Mike:

My heart aches for all of you. I cling to the fact that Aunt Carole and Uncle David are together in heaven, and to the fond memories I have of them growing up. They were always kind, generous, & welcoming when I visited. May all this comfort you as well. See you soon - You are in our hearts and prayers.

Love,

Jeff, Lisa, Aaron, Lauren & Brooke Follansbee

David and I worked closely when he was a representative in AAL. He and Carol were such devoted christians and were a lot of fun to have around. Please accept my condolences and may God be with you during this time of grief.

Bill Tschirhart

My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this difficult time in your life. May God bless you.

To our family in Texas:

We are grieving with you and struggling with this tragedy.

Uncle Dave was an absolutely amazing man. He had his share of adversity in life, but he would always dust his pants off and hold his hand out. That says a lot about his character and faith, forgiving and generous.

When we think of Uncle Dave the first thing that comes to mind has to be his belly laugh, it was infectious and consumed everyone. His southern drawl was often a source of comedy as well. Certain words like fire, tired, pecan, what he was or wasn't fixing to do, those words still resonate. We'd often remind Uncle Dave of his WI roots but he would hear none of it, he loved Texas.

It really amounts to stories and Uncle Dave's stories were second to none. Many of the stories have taken on epic proportions in our family, stories of Uncle Dave golfing, fishing, playing cards and laughing so hard while watching comedies that his eyes would water. Stories about what his dogs had done to him or how he was doing in the heat without A/C. We have enough stories to laugh the rest of our lives, but they were always better out of his mouth.

Uncle Dave never forgot us- he was always calling, always sending birthday cards and sneaking a check in, always traveling to WI for vacations, weddings, graduations, funerals and births. The last time we saw Uncle Dave was February 4, 2005 a few hours after our son, Samuel, was born. Uncle Dave and Aunt Carole were on their way back to Texas, but made a point to stop by the hospital with a gift before their flight.

Uncle Dave was an incredible man who never forgot us and we will not forget him. We are coming to pay our respects to a man that was more than an Uncle; he was a cornerstone to our family and a dear, dear friend. We love, respect and will miss him profoundly.

Seek the counsel of the Lord and he will bless you with the peace you seek.
With deepest sympathy, Molly & Stephen Zucknick

I am soo sorry for your terrible lose. Remember God is always there for you. Your parents are in a wonderful place together now. I love you all.
Love,
Your cousin Kim and family

Denise and Joel,

Our prayers go out to you and your family. Your precious boys will had two very special angels to watch over them.

Shelley, John, Joshua, & Garrett

Denise, Joel and family,
Words can't begin to express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. May you find strength each day as you turn to the Lord and your family and friends for support. And may the memories left behind bring you comfort...
Love,
Trish

Words can't begin to express the sorrow we feel for your lost. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that your family will be in our hearts and prayers always.

Denise, Joel, and Family

All of you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. There are no words to ease what you feel now, but know that time, family, and friends will keep you going. We love each of you.

Dear Darlene & Family,

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours doing this tragic time.

Howard and Mary Vandewater

Doreen,Darlene,Denise and Mike, Though we have not met, I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your families. You dad was a co-worker of mine for many years and we enjoyed time together at many conferences. Dave was not only a terrific business man but also a fantastic Christian. My wife, Darlene, and I enjoyed Dave and Carole's company and shared many good times together. God grant all of you the strenghth to cope with this horific loss. May you be conforted by your parents faith, and by Jesus saving Grace! Brother in Christ, Larry Bakken

Denise and Joel and precious sons,
Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Will be in touch with you later.
We love you all!

Love,
Joe and Rita

Denise, Joel & family - My heart breaks for you. I know that this is hard but remember that we love you; and I pray that God's love will comfort you. If you ever need anything, just let me know.

Our prayers are with you...
Love,
Carolyn and Leroy

Denise and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss, it is very hard to understand right now. Keep your faith strong and God will bless you and comfort you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Jennifer

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss.

Denise and Family,

Our hearts go out to you and your family. We will keep you in our thought and prayers!

John, Tracie, Christopher,& Chase Luna

Denise,

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the Lord and in your family. My prayers are with you.

Dear Denise and family:
You are all in my prayers.

Mary

Words cannot express the grief I feel for all of you in the loss of your Mother and Father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you find comfort in the memories of your parents.

Sincerely,
Bill and Ruth Mahnke