David R. Recker

Recker, David R.
1SG (Retired)
Appleton

Age 61, is now traveling the back roads of Heaven with his parents and brothers. He passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Cherry Meadows after a valiant fight with cancer.

Dave was born on June 9, 1947 in Appleton, the youngest of seven to the late Alphonse Recker and Marcella Helser Recker.

After graduating from high school in 1965, Dave followed his brothers into the military. First, Dave served in the Marine Corps where he was an infantryman, then became a military policeman (MP). Dave served with the 1st Marine Division and in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. He was honorably discharged from the Marines in April, 1969.

On November 15, 1968 Dave married the love of his life, Crystal Piner at First Methodist Church in Morehead City, NC.

On May 1, 1969 Dave began work at what was then Appleton Papers. He started out as an hourly laborer and retired in April of 2004 as a Supervisor at the Kensington Street warehouse.

In 1977, at his brother Roland's urging, Dave Joined the Army Reserve. Dave would spend the majority of his time serving with the 2nd Brigade, 274th regiment of what was then the 84th Division in Appleton. While there, Dave would wear many hats, including that of Drill Sergeant, training NCO, and tank crew chief. Dave retired from the Army Reserve in April of 1997.

Dave enjoyed many things in life. Some of his favorites were traveling the many back roads of Wisconsin with his wife and brother James. He and Crystal had also visited almost all of the lower 48 states. Dave fancied himself to be a Civil War buff and liked to visit the various battlegrounds whenever he could. He liked spending time at the family cottage on the Little Wolf River. His favorite Friday night event was going to The Whistle Inn in Nichols with Chris and Bob and their girls for a fish fry. When he wasn't driving, Dave could often be found taking in a NASCAR race on TV, or helping his nephew Scott with a fix-it project. Perhaps his most favorite thing to do was to spend time with his cherished grandkids. He loved sneaking them a dollar or five when their parents weren't looking. Family was always very important to Dave and he will be missed greatly by them.

Dave's survivors are his wife of 40 years, Crystal of Appleton; their two children and families: daughter, Christine and husband Master Sergeant-Retired, Robert Piso of Pulaski and their daughters: PV2 Stephanie “Stumpy” Piso, Fort Bliss, Texas, and Leah “Uber” Piso of Pulaski, and his son Thomas of Appleton, and Tom's son, Quintin “Q-man”, who makes his home with Dave and Crystal.

Other family members surviving are a brother, James G. Recker; a sister, Diane (Jerome) Trendel; and sisters-in-law: Audrey Recker and Marge Recker, all of Appleton; and Myra Recker, Neenah.

Further surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Crystal's sisters: Mary Beth (Rocky) Stoner and Carol Piner also survive.

Dave had many special friends who will also miss him, they include: John (Barb) Stafford, Jerry Sanderfoot and Vern (Shirley) Wichman.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Donald, Robert, Roland and Richard, and Richard's wife Geraldine Oligny; a brother and sister who died at birth, and a brother-in-law, James Mielke. Preceding Dave from Crystal's family were his in-laws: Anna (Mac) O'Neal, Augustine Piner; and James V. Piner.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation starting an hour before. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Dave's name is being established.

Crystal and family would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors for all they did for us and for Dave over the last few months. Maybe you sent a card, or said a prayer. Perhaps you dropped by with a meal or called to say “I'm thinking of you.” Whatever it was, we greatly appreciated it.

Dad – I know that you are now with Uncle Richard again getting into mischief and traveling the back roads of Heaven. Make sure to find us a new place for a fish fry, that way when I get there, that'll be the first thing we'll do. Thank you for being my Dad, if I could have picked my Dad, I'd have picked you. I will miss you always. Loves you, Chris.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 North Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231