David Lee Gertsch, age 68, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Monroe Manor in Monroe, WI. He was born on January 15, 1947 in Monroe to Walter and Darleen Gertsch.
    David grew up on a farm in the Gratiot area. He attended school in Gratiot. Then farmed alongside his father for many years. David met the love of his life Nancy Quinn. They married in 1971 and were happily married for 44 years.
    David is survived by his spouse Nancy and children: Rick (Janann) Gertsch of Gratiot; Rodney Gertsch of Monroe; Julie (Paul) Treuthardt of Monroe. His eight grandchildren: Alex, Taylor and Haley Gertsch; Donavan, Lee and Alexis Gertsch; Layne and Colsyn Treuthardt.  
    He is also survived by his brother, Duane (Shirley) Gertsch of Albany; Sisters: Deanna Gertsch-Pozorski (Rick) of Stevens Point; Dorothy Gertsch (Dale Beske) of Verona; Linda (Bill) Hutchinson of Cottage Grove, Minn.; Nancy (Bob) Cummings of Waupaca. His mother-in-law, Emma Zweifel of Monroe; Sisters-in-law: JoAnn (Bernie) Flannery of Argyle; Marian (Matt) Olin of Janesville. Brother-in-law Charlie (Kelli) Quinn of Gratiot.
    David was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Darleen Gertsch; Sister Lois Mae Gertsch. Father-in-law Kenneth Quinn; Brothers-in-law Patrick and Emmet Quinn.
    A hard-working, caring and social man. David greeted everyone with an easy smile, always sharing his sense of humor. He was a devoted husband and role model for his three children who saw through David the value of hard work and living each day to the fullest.
    David was passionate about farming and sharing that passion with his family. Spring fieldwork, harvesting and John Deere tractors all brought a smile to his face. He was an excellent farmer who easily adjusted to new farming technologies over the years. He was never afraid to tackle a problem and could fix nearly anything. David took pride in meticulously taking care of the farm and equipment.
    He always made time for activities with the grandchildren four-wheeler rides and letting them win in checkers were very popular. David enjoyed watching the Packers beat the Bears and Vikings.
    David and his wife, Nancy, enjoyed camping, traveling and making new friends wherever they went. In recent years, the cabin he designed and built in the Minocqua area became a favorite family destination. When “Up North”, David enjoyed his time with the family, fishing, boating or searching for treasures at garage sales.
    Health challenges, however, revealed his true fighting spirit. He successfully underwent a lung transplant and triple bypass heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic. After enjoying a ten-month lease on life, David contracted West Nile Virus in the fall of 2013 which took away his ability to walk and speak, but not his ability to smile and think clearly. David received care at various facilities, including Monroe Manor. Throughout his illness, he received very attentive and loving care from his wife, Nancy, who was always by his side.
    The Gertsch family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Cleveland Clinic, Monroe Manor, St. Croix Hospice and David’s private nurse, Lori Ikerd, for the special care and treatment provided to David during his illness. In accordance with David’s wishes, a private service will be held at the SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE Funeral Home in Monroe, with burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Gratiot.
    Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.