David Cleppe Sr.

David James Cleppe Sr., 67, passed away May 15, 2025 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His characteristic optimism and good humor disguised the gravity of his health problems, which finally proved too much for his strong body and mind.

David was born Oct. 3, 1957, to Dennis and Louise Cleppe and spent the first 18 years of his life in the New Berlin home his father built. The family also included his older brother, Ken, and younger sister, Patty. He attended school in Waukesha, graduating from St. Joseph’s Grade School and Catholic Memorial High School in 1976.

He worked for years at Aliota’s On Bluemound restaurant, a job he enjoyed and where he made many lifelong friends. He continued in the restaurant field, managing restaurants for Applebee’s and Einstein Bagels, finally finishing his career at Marty’s Pizza. His restaurant work also helped him become an excellent cook and baker. Meals at his home were always a treat.

David fought a tough battle with cancer while in his twenties, which left some lifelong challenges to his health. Soon after that, he was blessed with two children, Allison and David Jr. The pride he had in helping them become the two wonderful people they are today was immense. He, of course, was the first to acknowledge – and so very grateful – for the tremendous roles the kids’ mothers, Melissa and Jody, played in their upbringing.

David was a lifelong Packers and Brewers fan. He first fell in love with the Packers during the Lombardi years, watching the games on a tiny black and white TV in the family home. His love of the Brewers started with their move to Milwaukee and included a summer job during high school of cleaning up County Stadium after the games.

Always a talented athlete, he did play basketball and softball as an adult. He also had a love of pool and was extremely proud of the beautiful pool table he meticulously set up in his basement. But without a doubt, his favorite sport was golf. It didn’t take much arm twisting to get him to play a round. And, with his great sense of humor, he took greater joy in describing his worst golf shots than he did in recalling his best.

He loved taking annual family vacations with his mother, kids, brother, sister-in-law Hope and niece Rachel to different lakes Up North. The fish were undoubtedly more irritated than threatened by the group. While there, he liked taking trips to waterfalls, fudge shops and even the occasional casino, where he did better than could be expected at blackjack. David and Ken both inherited their sense of humor from their mother, whom both loved and adored. That humor could be ever so subtle or hit you like a sledgehammer, so getting the three together on vacation always meant tears of laughter flowed frequently.

An avid reader, he was especially fond of books detailing the lives and exploits of gangsters from the ‘20s to the ‘50s.

His outgoing and jovial personality allowed him to accumulate loyal and lifelong friends – far, far too many to begin listing. He knew he could count on them for help and they knew the same could be said of David. In that vein, for the past couple of years, he was so appreciative of all the help given to him by Kim even after their marriage ended.

David has left us to rejoin his father, mother and sister. He leaves great memories and a big void to those still here, including: Allison, her husband, John, and their son, Owen, who David was able to meet for the first time several days before his passing; Dave Jr., his wife Cayla, and his children Brayden and Lucy; Ken, Hope and Rachel; and of course his feline companion for the last few years, Mimi.

Visitation to be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Memorial Service to immediately follow. Family and friends are invited to further celebrate David’s life after the service at his favorite hangout, Wonderland Tap, W233 N536 Redford Blvd., Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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