David Arthur Bogenschutz, 72, set out to have a great ride, and ride well he did!
Dave's ride on this planet began in
Springfield, IL on June 25, 1950, the first of Art and Claire's five children. He soon had plenty of playmates as Alan, Janice, Barb and Rose joined the crew. His earliest love of biking involved baseball cards in his spokes as he cruised around the Christ the King neighborhood. After graduating from Griffin High School, he went on to attend Illinois State University.
Dave's greatest devotion was to his family. He and wife Peggy met at a protest rally on campus and went on to share an abiding love for 50 years of marriage, much of it spent planning their next trip in search of the best key lime pie and sunset in the Florida Keys. Together, they raised two sons: Matt and his partner, Hyojin Im live in Henrico, VA and Drew lives with his wife Becca (Taylor) and two happy little girls, Myra and Margot in Bloomington, IN. Dave was always present and available for whatever his boys needed - from playing endless ball, board and card games to coaching sports and driving countless miles without complaint. His pride in the decisions made by his boys and their choices of partners, careers and pastime brought him great joy. As a grandpa, he couldn't get enough of playing, reading, encouraging and cuddling. He made spoiling an art form.
Dave dedicated his career to people with disabilities. For 22 years, he and Peggy co-directed Peacock Camp in Lake Villa, an overnight camp for kids with physical disabilities. It was there that they made lifelong friends and raised Matt and Drew to celebrate each person for their unique talents (and it also explains their poor table manners). Under Dave's direction, hundreds of children and teens had the time of their lives. Hundreds of young counselors learned lessons that they continue to carry into their lives as they make their communities better places to live. Dave was always willing to train lifeguards, flip burgers, start roaring campfires, drive the pontoon boat, serve as the loan shark at casino night or the nerd on Dating Game. Summers were sweet at Peacock Camp.
As an adapted physical educator, Dave was devoted to his students at SEDOL, NSSED and Millburn School. He brought out the jock in all the kids, inclusively and with dignity.
Never one to sit still, after his retirement Dave volunteered as a track and field coach for Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) where he strived to bring his Paralympic-hopeful athletes closer to their goals than they dreamed was possible while also instilling values and character. Happiness and growth through sports and fitness was a guiding principle. He was recognized as the Volunteer Coach of the Year from U.S. Paralympics in 2017.
Somehow with his dedication to family and his career, Dave still found time to be a skilled woodworker with a legendary basement workshop, an expert bird feeder squirrel-proofer, meticulous yard keeper and an avid cyclist, complete with padded spandex shorts. He considered a 35-mile bike ride to be recreation. Traveling with Peggy and family, especially to the Florida Keys and Oregon, always brought joy and a sense of wonder. Sunrises, sunsets, beaches, ocean waves, lighthouses, a total solar eclipse and eating fresh seafood brought delight. But delight was also found sitting at home on his own deck in his own backyard.
Dave had a spectacular time on this earth, touching thousands of lives, being the best imaginable husband and dad, and showing that kindness, compassion and values truly can win any race. He rode to the finish line on April 2, 2023 with Peggy by his side. We are all better off for having ridden alongside him. He will live forever in our hearts.
Dave asked that anyone wishing to remember him please pay your good fortune forward to others in your own way at every opportunity. If you wish to contribute to causes dear to his heart you may donate to Millburn School to help provide children in need with gym shoes, school supplies and other necessities or to GLASA to help their mission of "Let no one sit on the sidelines." Most of all, hug your family and remind them you love them every day. As Jimmy Buffet would say, "Count all your blessings but remember your dreams."
A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held in the summer at the beloved Peacock Camp. The date and time will be announced and updated here in the future. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to STRANG FUNERAL HOME OF ANTIOCH, 1055 Main St.
Antioch, IL 60002. For additional information, please call (847)-395-4000. Please sign the online guestbook for Dave at .