Name: Funeral service for David Thomas Robertson
Start: 2017-12-18T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-12-19T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

Robertson, David Thomas Age 47, of Mequon, Wisconsin, died at 12:15 PM at Lawlis Family Hospice at St. Mary's Hospital from cancer. David was born on October 17, 1970, at Tinker Air Force Base in Norman, Oklahoma. He graduated from Thomas Edison High School in Alexandria, VA in 1989, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1990, where he served for many years on the USS Simon Lake in La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy as a calibration technician. He terminated his enlistment in the Navy in 2014 as a second-class chief petty officer. Upon his return to the United States, Dave worked for 12 years at Precision Metrology as a calibration technician, specializing in the area of thermo dynamics. He was a true asset to his profession. He was a Renaissance man with a broad spectrum of interests: history, culture, the sciences, music, mechanics, space travel, and was constantly learning and expanding his knowledge. His had a phenomenal recall for dates and was the master of conversation. Handsome beyond words, he was a friend to everyone. Survived by his love, Carol; father, Michael of Spokane, WA; mother, Joanne of Alexandria, VA; sister, Pauline and brother Chris and their respective families. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 18, 2017, at the funeral home with visitation from 3-6 PM and services at 6:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Dec. 13, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for David Robertson

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

20 Entries

December 18, 2017

I will miss you Dave

France

Brady Burns

December 17, 2017

Greece

Brady Burns

December 17, 2017

France

Brady Burns

December 17, 2017

May Schmidt

December 17, 2017

Carol--

You and I have never met but I thank you for your tender care of David, especially since his diagnosis last year. David was at the Yanikowski/Walczak/Janik cousins' reunion in 2015 and was memorable for his warmth, keen interest in meeting 25 of us, engaging in lively conversations and giving an air of class to the whole event--so handsome and affable! He game me the greatest compliment of my life when, upon meeting me for the first time, he thought I was from his generation (we're 20 years difference in age as he's the son of my cousin Joanne, his mother). His hilarity at the mistake was generous and disarming. I had hoped ardently that despite his cancer he might have been at the cousins' second reunion held in Michigan 3 months ago. I have prayed for him since last January and today, the Catholic Mass in Newburyport, MA, was said at 9am in his memory and honor. He was a joy to me.
And I feel the loss of his brightness knowing I won't again see him this side of heaven...My deepest condolencs on your loss, Carol. You must be special yourself to have had this special man in his affections.
Sincerely,
Mary (Yanikoski) Schmidt
cousin

Brady Burns

December 17, 2017

I was stationed with Dave in Italy on the Land in 1999. For the prior three years I had heard about Dave and the Simon Lake crew from shipmates departing that sacred place. Of the thousands of people I have met across this world, Dave was one who made a lasting impact. When I met him, he was the last of his old crew. He missed those times pretty bad then and was happy to have a way to stoke the flames of those memories. It didn't hurt that we were both Libras and clicked pretty quick. He took me around the islands, teaching me the history of not only the nostalgic sea stories of shipmates long gone but of the islands themselves. The structures and subtle importances of this or that, of everything. We talked about movies (watched quite a few as well), history, books, computers, space travel, politics, finance, love, superstition, anything you can imagine and even a little calibration. We listened to tons of music. He introduced me to my favorite piece of music while putting around Caprera in his little elegant boat and a crappy little tape deck way too late at night. He taught me a new way to think and the importance of always learning. Also the importance of doing things well. I was only there for 6 months but it would take me a year to tell all of the stories I have with Dave in them. He was a good friend to me, teacher and guide and I have missed him for eighteen years and will for the rest of my life. Goodbye, my friend. We will never forget you. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Joseph Yanikoski

December 17, 2017

I met David 2 years ago at our all-generations family reunion in Wisconsin. David's Mom is my first cousin. I sat with him and several other cousins of his generation (including my son) at the main event dinner and we discussed his cancer which was serious even at that time. He was at peace with his condition and wanted to meet as many family as he could before his body failed him, which he knew was not far off, short of a miracle cure. God bless you, David, and may He take you to his heavenly home where, one day, I hope to see you again.

Joseph McDonald

December 16, 2017

I was stationed with Dave on the USS Simon Lake from 1993-95 and was his roommate for a time while I was stationed in La Madd. In my life, I have never meet a person more original and authentic then Dave. He walked to his own beat and followed his own path, and although, it didn't make sense at the time, it always made sense to Dave. He was incredibly intelligent and had the greatest sense of humor. His technical abilities and knowledge in the field of calibration and electronics are second to none. I will always remember his friendship and the conversation we used to have throughout my time in Italy. They were always deep, meaningful, and insightful, the only obstacle to the gaining the real meaning of those conversations was my overwhelming immaturity. I look back on my friendship with Dave and those conversations with great admiration and fondness. Although I haven't seen or communicated with Dave since 1995, he made an impression upon me that few people have. I will miss him and hope to catch up with him again someday. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all his family and friends during this time.

Joseph McDonald

December 16, 2017

I serviced with Dave on the USS Simon Lake in La Madd from 93-95. I was also a roommate of Dave's for a few years. There are very few people I have met in my lifetime that are as authentic and original as Dave. He was incredibly intelligent and had the greatest sense of humor. I admired and still admire Dave for his ability to walk to his own beat and follow his own path. I will miss his friendship and the conversations we used to have, I only wish I was mature enough at the time to really appreciate his advice and insights. It wasn't to years later that I grew really came to appreciate those conversations and realized how fortunate I was to know Dave. I lost contact with Dave when I left the USS Simon Lake in the mid 1990's, but his friendship and those conversations are still with me to this day. I have no doubt that we will meet again. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time.

Alyssa Rippy

December 16, 2017

Dave was a great friend while we lived in La Maddalena Italy. He was one of the most intelligent and philosophical people I have ever met and we would all sit for long nights at Re Artu and argue philosophy and history, always with a glass of mirto in his hand. He will be much missed by all who knew and loved him. To David's family, please accept mine and Gabriella's condolences.

John Ford Davis

December 15, 2017

Dear Dave. WE Serviced together in La Madd. Thinking about you brings back wonderful memories. You were TRUELY a Renaissance Man. I haven't seen you in over 20 years but I will miss you.

Debbie Leavitt

December 13, 2017

R.I.P. Fair winds and following seas.

John Walsh

December 13, 2017

R.I.P. Shipmate, and may God give your loved ones strength in this difficult time.

Matt Sawyer

December 13, 2017

I was roommates with David for a couple years over in Italy and I admired him greatly. He was one of the most intelligent people i've ever met and he had a terrific sense of humor. For me he was the "go to" person for both complex problems in the work space as well as complex problems in life. Thoughtful, articulate and a fascinating person who always seemed to offer valuable insight into any conversation or discussion.
I never saw him again after 1995 and i'm so sorry I never got an opportunity to reconnect with him. My sincere condolences go out to his family and all who loved him.

Classic David

December 13, 2017

Matt Sawyer

December 13, 2017

I was stationed on the USS Simon Lake with Dave from 93-96. He was a great friend and shipmate RIP Mirto Dave

IM3 Rogers

Kristie Roy

December 11, 2017

Just heard the news today. A very sad day. We will always cherish our memories of you. Thanks for being there for me and Derek's wedding day. Condolences to David's family. Prayers for everyone during this difficult time.

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