David B. Ayers, age 76 of Menomonie, died Monday, October 3, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, with his family by his side.

Dave was born on August 28, 1940 in Chippewa Falls. He was the son of Jonathon “Stewart” and Leona (Bowe) Ayers. Dave grew up in the Chippewa area and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1958. He then enlisted into the U.S. Navy where he served on a transport ship for three years before being Honorably Discharged in 1961. Dave then went to trade school where he met his wife of 54 years. He married Kathleen Kurtz on August 3, 1962 at Trinity United Methodist Church. After marriage, they lived in the Chippewa Valley area where Dave worked as a technician for Ameritech and raised his family. In 1991, Dave and Kathy moved to Menomonie and Dave retired in 1997.

Dave enjoyed woodworking, going camping and spending time at the cabin. They enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Colorado, campground hosting in northern Wisconsin and wintering in Myrtle Beach, SC with Bill and Ardell and the 13 turtles. Dave and Kathy welcomed 21 foster children into their home over the years. Most of all, Dave loved to spend time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He always enjoyed sharing riddles, jokes, puns and bed-time tales with his grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years; Kathy, four children; Jeff (Yvonne) of Ferndale, WA, Joanne (Bill) Gardner of Eau Claire, John (Donna) and Troy (Jean), both of Cable, 13 grandchildren; Shante`, Jessica (Matt), Kenneth, Evan, Nicole, Bonnie (Chris), Drew, Bryant, Andrea, Joey, and Theresa, four great grandchildren; Thalia, Melanie, Mason and Ty’cen, one brother; Al (Julie) of Arizona, three sisters; Diane Breitzman of Menomonie, Bette (Bob) Wickman of Minnesota and Janet Ayers of California, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie from 2:00PM-5:00PM on Saturday, October 8, 2016 with Military Honors provided by the Menomonie Veteran’s Honor Guard at 5:00 PM. A private burial will be at a later date at the Northern  Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.

We all remember “Taking a walk with Grandpa.”

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Menomonie, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Steve and Linda Dettinger May 17, 2017, at 10:10am

   Kathy, we are so sorry and sad to find out about Dave's passing. We haven't kept in touch much since we moved but you both are frequently in our thoughts and conversations. We were hoping to get in touch during our trip home in late May. We so enjoyed our times together. Hope you are doing well Kathy.

2. Janet (Isom) Mazur February 12, 2017, at 9:19pm

   Please forgive this late note. I struggled with what to say to you. I was a classmate of David's. When we were young (Jr. High), I thought he was the cutest thing I had ever seen. He went to the country school and I went in town. Years passed and we never stayed in touch. One day his name was on my list for the class reunion. I called and we had a nice visit. He told me that I knew his wife's sister, Sandy. He never did go to the class reunion. I would have enjoyed seeing him again and meeting his wife, your Mother, Kathy. I was so sorry to read that he had passed away. Then such a short time later, I read that your Mother had, also, passed. My heart broke for you children.

   I made a donation to the USO in memory of both David and Kathy. I hope you received a notice of this donation. Please accept my deep sympathy and my prayers for your family.

   I sent a card but it was returned as I did not have the correct address.

3. Lyle Lieffring October 6, 2016, at 6:42pm

   Our thoughts are with you and you family.

4. John & Maria Russi October 6, 2016, at 11:44am

   We are praying for you all. Sorry for your great heartache. Hugs to each of you. God bless
   Love,
   John & Maria Russi.❤️

5. Jeff and Susan Belcher October 6, 2016, at 10:16am

   We are thinking and praying for you guys in this very difficult time. Hugs to all of you. If you need anything, please let us know.

6. Laurel Gilbert October 6, 2016, at 6:00am

   Trusting our precious Lord to be felt close, and to provide every blessing needed by this amazing family,
   special love and care to Troy and Jean, Buddy and Theresa from Wayne and Laurel Gilbert

7. Cindy and Bill Warner October 6, 2016, at 4:34am

   Dave was our neighbor and always had a joke or two and treats for our dogs when we walked past their house.he was such a sweetheart and he will be missed so much.it will not be the same without him around. Sending deepest sympathy to his family.

8. Mike Norman October 5, 2016, at 4:31pm

   You have my deepest condolences, Joanne and family on the passing of Mr. Ayers.

9. Bill & Ardell Kurtz October 5, 2016, at 2:22pm

   To Kathy, Jo, John, Troy, Jeff and your families. Wishing you peace in knowing Dave is no longer suffering, and courage to face the days ahead. You have many memories to hold forever in your hearts. "He is Free"

10. Robert Mercord October 5, 2016, at 11:27am

    My sympathy goes out to you Joanne.

11. Dan & Heidi Kneeland October 5, 2016, at 9:24am

    All of the Lake Tainter Family will miss Dave a lot.

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