David J. Abts

David J. Abts, Sr., age 79, resident of Two Rivers, passed away at his residence Tuesday night, August 20, 2024, after an illness.
David was born in Champion, WI on January 26, 1945 to Robert T. and Florence (Thiry) Abts. On March 19, 1977, he married the former Marvel Haen at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Francis Creek. She preceded him in death on August 31, 2019. Dave then married Sandy L. Glysch on September 5, 2020 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Two Rivers. He worked in the Transportation Business for 45 years, retiring in 2010.
David was a past board member of Branch River Country Club, Manitowoc-Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce, a fourth degree member of Two Rivers Knights of Columbus, Manitowoc Yacht Club, a member of the Manitowoc Elks Club; Past Exalted Ruler of Two Rivers Elks Lodge #1380, and also served as Northeast District Vice-President for the Wisconsin Elks Assoc. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Men's Club and served as head of the usher's committee at the church. He was a Eucharistic Minister and usher for St. Francis of Assisi and St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Churches; a volunteer bus driver for Our Lady of Lourdes in Surprise, AZ; and served as chairman of several fund raising committees which included: St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, the Two Rivers Arboretum, and the Green Bay Diocese Catholic Charities Endowment Golf Fund Raiser. He was also a volunteer for the Lakeshore Interfaith Hospitality Network (LIHN) and the Two Rivers Senior Center. David was an avid bridge player and loved to golf.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy; one daughter and son-in-law, Wendy (Steve) Keehan, Two Rivers; two sons and daughters-in-law: David (Donna) Abts, Jr. of Whitelaw, Dan (Polly) Abts of Newton; two step-daughters, Lori (Don) Marquardt and Amanda DeBauche; and his grandchildren: Brandon (Deanna) Knepprath, Brittni (Spencer Long) Knepprath, Allison (Brennen Woelfel) Abts, Dylan (Avery Lemon) Abts, Tyler Abts, Tiffany (Ryan) Ferge; 3 great-grandchildren: Bennett, Chase, and Myles; 6 step-grandchildren; and 10 step great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters: Mary Ann Bourain, Shirley (Frank) Bradley, Dale (Donna) Abts, Tony (Cheryl) Abts; and a brother-in-law, Jeff VanderMeuse. In addition to his parents, and first wife, Marvel, he was preceded in death by siblings: Myron Abts, Robert (Joan) Abts, Jr., Mike Abts, Daniel Abts, Nancy VanderMeuse; and a brother-in-law, Kermit Bourain.
The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd., Two Rivers on Monday, August 26, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Tuesday morning, August 27th from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier will begin at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will take place at Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Dave's name.
Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Abts family with funeral arrangements.