David J Eastman

Dave, everyone's friend and hero, died very unexpectedly on Sunday, November 4, 2012 of an apparent massive heart attack. He was surrounded by his family, who he loved so much and who was loved in return just as much. Dave touched so many people's lives with his ability to always be there for everyone. He lived his life working so hard to provide for his family and friends in every way he could.

Anyone who knew Dave knows that his family was his life. He was so proud of Kayla and Drew and was always there for them and for Lori and took such loving care of us. We have a strong faith in God and know we will all be together again someday in a better place that God has promised us.

This year was an especially fun year for Dave with his being back on the baseball field helping to coach the Appleton American Legion Baseball team and also being the Head Groundskeeper. He was very active with coaching youth sports in the Appleton community including, the Appleton North Boys Basketball Club, Kiwanis Little League, Babe Ruth, and now Appleton Legion. This was his passion, his purpose and his love to make a difference in kid's lives.

He was employed at RR Donnelley (Banta) for 19 years, before that M&I Bank (Valley Bank), and his first job in High School at Marc's Big Boy Restaurant. He graduated in 1984 from Appleton West High School.
He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and the Sons of the American Legion (SAL).

Dave is survived by his wife and best friend of 24 years, Lori, his cherished children, Kayla and Drew, his mother Leola (Bauhs) Eastman, siblings, Lynn (Dennis) Attoe, Mark (Janet) Eastman, Barbara (David) Kempen, Pete (Kathy) Eastman, Patrick (Stacy) Eastman, Kristine (Tobin) Kimball, his step mother Carol Eastman, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Joan Hawkins, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steve (Joan) Hawkins, Sue Hawkins and Julie Wockenfus. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, Chris (Wendy) Attoe, Missy (Kurt) Hietpas, Jeremy Attoe, Jessica Eastman, Michael Kempen, Anthony Eastman, Adam Kimball, Ethan (Erin) Kimball, Brian (Nicole) Henry, Brittany Henry, Elizabeth Wockenfus, and Samantha (Andy) Brooker, great nieces and nephews; Jayden, Emily, Morgan, Madelynn, Claire, Aloni, Clifford, Chloe, Autumn, Hayden and Gavin, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and very dear and precious friends and co workers.

Dave was preceded in death by his father Wayne R. Eastman, brother, Jan C. Eastman, his grandma Dorothy Eggert who is taking care of him now in Heaven and explaining to him how to make her recipes.

The funeral service for Dave will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 2:30 PM at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 601 E. Glendale Ave. with Pastor Daniel Thews officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at the Wichmann Funeral Home from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and on Thursday from 12:30 PM until the time of the service at the Church. Interment will be in the Highland Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dave's name.

Dave you have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. My heart will always and forever have a hole in it that will never be filled until we meet again in Heaven. You are my everything and you know how much I love you. We shared an amazing life together and I will try my hardest to be the rock you were for our family and friends and I know you will be right beside me like you always have been. My life has forever been changed for the better for having you in my life and for blessing me with our beautiful children.
Love, Lori

Our Dad's spirit is one that could never be replicated and will forever be within my brother and I. We have learned so much from our Dad that we will carry through life with us. The rest of our lives will be lived for our father. We are blessed to have had the best Dad in the world and we love him so much.
Love, Kayla and Drew

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference today.”

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231