David "Dave" J. Warnke passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at the age of 63 years as a result of complications from a motorcycle accident. Dave was born on Aug. 3,1948, in New London to William and Vera (nee Parfitt) Warnke. He married Karen Olsen on Aug. 12, 1972 in Manistique, Michigan. 

Dave was a member of the United States Army where he proudly served in Vietnam. He enjoyed golfing, motorcycling, and was an avid Wisconsin sports fan. Dave was also enjoying reconnecting with old friends since his retirement. He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with family and friends. Dave will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. 

Dave was a 1966 graduate of Weyauwega High School. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. In later years, Dave attended the Keller Graduate School of Management where he received his MBA. Dave's work career includes Doerr Electric, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Leeson, and Stearns. After years of hard work, David earned his retirement on Sept. 1, 2010. 

Dave is survived by his wife Karen; and children Jill Warnke-Fonk and Matthew Warnke. He is further survived by his siblings William (Judith) Warnke, Jean (Frank) Newton, Mary (Nick) Meyer, Phillip (Teresa) Warnke, Paul Warnke, and Kathy (Tom) Zacharyasz; in-laws Greer (Bernie) Fish, Sue (Don) Geiger, and Todd (Paula) Olsen; 11 nephews; 10 nieces; special family friend Bill Gardner; other relatives, and dear friends. Dave is preceded in death by his parents and inlaws Lowell and Ann Olsen. 

A funeral service for Dave will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept.r 12, 2011 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W. Paradise Drive in West Bend with the Rev. Dr. Matt Hadley presiding. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. at the funeral home only on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. Private interment of ashes will take place at Washington County Memorial Park. Memorials are appreciated to Still Waters Community United Methodist Church (PO Box 406, Jackson, WI, 53037) or to the charity of your choice. 

Dave's family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital for all their care and compassion for Dave during his stay. 

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family, (262) 338-2050 or www.phillipfuneralhome.com.