David A. Bruch

David A. Bruch January 6, 1954 ~ October 16, 2025 If you're reading this, I must have left.
I was born in Park Falls, Wisconsin, to a typical all-American family four brothers, two sisters, and me, the one with a full head of hair and a dislike for anything easy.
I graduated in 1972, despite some teachers placing bets that I wouldn't. In school, I learned that being a drummer in a band called Outcast was cool and that I loved to build things.
From there, I launched myself into the building trades, full throttle. I left my mark on all four corners of the U.S. by motorcycle. If it needed building, fixing, or blowing up... I was the guy.
Me and my bike landed in Milwaukee. If that bike could talk, I'd still be in prison. That bike and I had more stories than a bar full of pirates.
In 1990, I moved to Ashland, where I built lifelong friendships, worked hard, played hard, and earned the nickname "Bushka." Flash forward to 2008, when I married Cheri-my best friend and the best decision I ever made. (She actually showed me a house back in 1990, but we were both hitched at the time.)
I officially retired in 2015. That just meant I stopped working for money and started working full-time for my Honey.
I've poured concrete in blizzards and worked in the dark, but I was not prepared for a woman with a honey-do list and a vision like Cheri's.
I built buildings. Together, we built a life and a home.
It wasn't always bikes and bad decisions. Life slowed down. Just me riding in the truck with my best girl, Sierra, window down, beard blowing, tail thumping, head out the window as we rode around the Barrens, our favorite place.
Cheri survived me longer than most of my tools, tolerated me better than most bartenders, took care of me, and loved me harder than I deserved.
I am survived by my three kids: Eva, Sam, and Josh. I'm Papa Dude to three grandkids. Big D and Joan, Nancy and Ken, Peggy and Beau, Mick and Jen. Special cousins Rick and Dan. And so many great friends-you know who you are.
With an ice-cold Budweiser raised to the sky, Johnny Winter blaring: CHEERS to all of you. Thanks for the memories.
And Cheri don't go there. I'll be right around the corner, engine idling, until we meet again.
Peace, Dave
A Celebration of Life will take place from 1-4 P.M., Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Neighborly Bar, Ashland, WI.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.