David Alexander Schleicher 1953—2020
David Alexander Schleicher of Galena, IL and formerly Freeport, IL passed away peacefully on December 11, 2020, after a yearlong battle with esophageal cancer. He made his transition at home with the love of his family nearby. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions a celebration of his life will be held when it is safer to gather. The family will plan for a memorial and gathering further into 2021. Cremation rites will be accorded. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. He was born February 7, 1953, in Galena the son of James "Rollie" and Helen (Floyd) Schleicher. The youngest of three boys, he held his own in sports, love of music and all-around fun-loving living with his older brothers, Jim, and Larry. A St. Michael's Parish School and Galena High School graduate, David married his high school sweetheart, Donna McCarthy, on July 26, 1975. After moving to Freeport to begin their life together, they welcomed their only child, a daughter Melissa, on May 17, 1982. A devoted sports man, David could often be found watching football and baseball games with friends or volunteering with Freeport's Junior Tackle and Little League organizations. He never gave up hope for his beloved Chicago Bears and rarely missed a Milwaukee Brewers game and certainly not a Cincinnati Reds game in honor of his hero Pete Rose. When not enjoying sports, David could always be found listening to and enjoying music. A deep love he passed on to his daughter, a good concert, blues festival, or home jam session was a regular joy complete with rocking guitar solos, heavy bass, and David's signature head bob. David was well known for his kindness, laughter, and willingness to help others whenever needed. Throughout his retail career at Hartman's TV, Furniture and Appliance in Freeport and Kevin's Appliance & Mattress Superstore in Monroe, WI, David could always be relied upon for a friendly voice, listening ear and desire to make sure his elderly customers were taken care of, no matter if the need were changing a stove clock, fixing a TV, or simply making sure they understood how to work the VCR remote. He went above and beyond for friends, family, and perfect strangers, making him an irreplaceable presence in our lives. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and his spirit will be carried on by his grandchildren. David is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Melissa (Samuel) Schleicher-Park, granddaughter Helena Sanchez, mother-in-law Colleen McCarthy, brothers James (Nancy) Schleicher and Lawrence (Patricia) Schleicher, sisters, and brothers-in-law from the Galena McCarthy clan, along with countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Edward "Bitsy" McCarthy and brother-in-law Ron Hodnett. Donna and Melissa would like to express a special thank you to David's sister-in-law, Joyce McCarthy Merriman whose support during David's final days was a godsend without which his passing would have been more difficult to bear. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Dubuque, true angels on Earth, and/or the Galena Booster Club for the new football field bleachers. Online condolences may be left at www.furlongfuneralchapel.com

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Published by The Freeport Journal Standard from Dec. 12 to Dec. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Schleicher

Sponsored by Furlong Funeral Chapel - Galena.

6 Entries

Verna Buss

December 16, 2020

I'm so sorry to see that Dave passed away. He was such a nice and friendly person. I hope your memories help you thru this difficult time.

Jim Mertins

December 14, 2020

I met Squib when he was a DJ at the Frontier Bar in downtown Freeport back in the 1970's. He always had a smile and a friendly greeting for everybody. He loved to play requests and enjoyed the party along with the rest of us. Very nice, fun, guy. Glad we were friends. RIP.

jim graham

December 13, 2020

Dave was a great guy, great competitor, and great customer representative. Had the pleasure to play with and against Dave in fast pitch, had the pleasure to buy appliances from him at Hartman's and Menards. He was always honest and supportive. He was truly a nice guy. Our deepest sympathies to all of his family. RIP Dave.

Earl sproule jr.

December 13, 2020

I was sorry to hear about the passing of David. I hope your family will find peace and comfort during this hardest of times. sincerely Earl Rusty Jr.

Steve & Sandy Downing

December 13, 2020

I've known Squib since we were young adults. Well, let me rephrase that. Since we were young. I dont think I knew his real name for 6 months. My first recollection was when Donna called him David. And I can't remember her calling him anything but David, not Dave, not Squib, always David. Good or Bad. Here's a list of some of my fondest memories when we weren't not quite adults:
Every holiday during the summer, before kids, 8 to 10 couples would make our way to Fish Lake. Some had vans, some campers and some tents. I'll get to the tent story later. Every trip was a new yet repeated occurrence . At the start we were always sure we had enough refreshments to last the weekend, but invariably we'd have to go to town for more. Memorial Day always seemed like spring training in baseball. Practicing and getting ready for the season to start. The 4th of July, invariably equated to mid-season form. That's the weekend we ended up in prime form and trouble. But every year Labor Day seemed to be the best. After spending all day down at the lake on Sunday, We'd build a campfire and sit around remeniscing what happened this summer. Throw in the fact that Squib would bring a small TV, we'd sit around the fire and watch the MD Telethon until the wee hours of the morning. Other highlights from these treks were; being kicked out of every go-kart track at the Dells. Being banned from ever having a family style dinner at the Gasthaus in Roxbury due to a food fight.
Now the tent story. The size of the group had dwindled due to children. If there was more than Squib & Donna and us, or others, all had decided not to stay due to approaching weather. They had just finished putting up their tent when the storm hit. It rained so hard their tent flooded, then the wind blew it over. The 4 of us waited out the storm. When it was over, there was nowhere in the campground to pitch their tent, so we left. That's the last time I remember going to Fish Lake .

One of the last episodes of youthful indescretion was a night out with this same group of couples. I think it was a birthday party, we ended the night at what I believe the name of the place was The Red Door, west of Freeport. Towards the end of the night, one of the ladies, quite out of character I might add, decided to show us a new trick she saw on TV. She took her bottle and tapped the bottom of her bottle on the top of another persons opened beer. Causing their beer to foam up like a volcano. Trust me, she gleefully did it to more than one persons beer.

Eventually and fortunately kids came into the picture. I remember how excited yet apprehensive Squib was was Melissa was born. She was the twinkle in his eyes even when things started out pretty rough with her at UW-Madison. As she grew, he became prouder and more committed to her. As we grew older, we didn't see each other as much. Even with that , every time we did see each other, we'd talk about the kids and how proud he was of her.

So inclosing, “HERE'S MY POINT”. Even though you're not physically here with us, you'll always be in our thoughts and heart. Rest peacefully my friend, You made the world a better place.

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