David “Dave” Arthur Fricke, age 78, of Loyal, WI, passed away at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center in Owen, WI, on Thursday, January 1, 2026.  Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal, WI, with Pastor Dan Zimmerman officiating.  Visitation will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

     Dave was born on April 27, 1947, in Eau Claire, WI, to Oscar and Evelyn (Beaver) Fricke.  He was raised in Loyal, WI, graduating from Loyal High School in 1965.  After high school, Dave worked a few different jobs including logging in the woods, carpentry and selling real estate.  It began a lifelong love of working with wood.  Dave built many beautiful things for his girls over the years, including cedar chests, bedroom sets, microwave carts and jewelry boxes. Dave also did a short stint in the Army before being medically discharged. 

     Dave married his high school sweetheart, Karen Sue Pieper, on July 29, 1967, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Loyal, WI.  Together they owned Central Wisconsin Insurance Agency in Loyal, WI, from 1977 until retiring in 2016.  Dave and Karen built their house on the site of Dave’s childhood home.  The property has been in Dave’s family for over 100 years. 

     Dave had many interests but especially enjoyed spending time with his family.  Dave and Karen took the girls camping almost every weekend when the girls were young.  Most importantly, Dave loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

     Dave is survived by his wife, Karen, of Loyal; three daughters:  Dana (Vinnie) Putrus of Greenwood, WI, Kim (Doug) Fricke-Roehl of Loyal, WI, and Denise Brussow of Loyal, WI; eight grandchildren: Eric Schoonover, Jessica Schoonover, Lindsey (Ryan) Smith, Sabrina North, Colten (Claire) Roehl, Maverick (fiancé Jaidyn Teschner) Roehl, Cameron (Lauren) Brussow and Quinn (fiancé’ Annie Baierl) Brussow; seven great-grandchildren: Jayda Bottlemy, Ayden Schoonover, Macy Smith, Greyson Smith, Brynlee North, Emmett Roehl and Henry Roehl; three sisters:  Barb Langfeldt, Mary Jo (Anthony) Mayer and Susan (Jerry) Beil; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Alan Langfeldt, Beverly (Art) Olsen, Dolores (Jim) Helm, Delmar (Darlene) Pieper, Marlene Lauenstein and Joyce (Larry) Rueth. 

     The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center 2W and St. Croix Hospice.  We are so grateful for the wonderful love and care Dave received in the last five years of his life.  

     Graveside services will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Loyal, WI, at a later date.