David A. Kristopeit
RACINE - David Kristopeit died peacefully on January 19, 2023, at the age of 73, surrounded by his loved ones.
David was the oldest son of Richard and Alma Kristopeit. He was baptized into faith at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1949, and confirmed in his faith at Zion Lutheran Church in 1963. Growing up, he and his three brothers, Richard (Karen), Paul (Susie), and Robert (Carrie) definitely found mischief together. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1967, and continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, where he met his wife, Trudy (nee Buehrens), at a Fraternity party. David graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting in 1972.
David and Trudy married on July 13, 1974, and they began their life and family. They had three children, Michael (Rachel), Katie (Kevin Hagen), and Joshua (Suzanne) and loved their annual camping trips, biking together, and playing cards. His favorite role was being a great Grandpa to his six grandchildren: Harper, Madelyn, Lennon, Arlo, Ezekiel (Zeke), and Edison.
David is probably best known as the longtime owner of The Kewpee Lunch, where he worked for over 40 years making the best damn burgers in town. After selling the Kewpee at age 55, he had a sunset career with various jobs in accounting and finished out his time as the Maintenance Engineer at The Council House.
David was a man of many passions. He had a lifelong love of photography; he and his wife spent a lot of time playing around in the dark room together. He was a talented woodworker and made many pieces of furniture. David was an avid man of faith his entire life. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran church his whole adult life and served with his god-given talents in various ways. And always the host, he loved having guests over for a nice dinner, a celebration, a game of cards, or just for a drink on a Saturday night. He was always the center of attention, full of stories and jokes.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alma Kristopeit; and his beloved grandson, Arlo Kristopeit.
A celebration of David's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 28, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, 8500 Durand Ave, Sturtevant, WI. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening, January 27, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., or on Saturday at the church from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Memorials to the MAAC Fund have been suggested, 10000 W Innovation Dr. Suite #135, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226.
Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com.
MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY
803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403
(262) 634-7888
Gary Flinn
February 17, 2023
David helped me in working on my book about Kewpee which celebrates its centennial this year. I wish he was able to see the book titled Kewpee Hamburgers: A Mity Nice History which will be published on July 24.
Candace Lepow
February 1, 2023
My condolences to the family. I have always loved Kewpee burgers.
Brenda L Martini
January 31, 2023
Dave was my first boss at Kewpees for 10 years. I will never forget his kindness. When I was pregnant with my third son my water broke. He came to the rescue and took me to St. Luke's for my delivery. My son Ryan will always admire his comedic side. He was 7 and Dave showed him the basement of the old Kewpee building. Made fun of how creepy it was. My son told me the story when I inform him of the passing. He will always be remembered as a great man in my household.
Susan Martin
January 25, 2023
Dave was a wonderful man and a caring and compassionate cousin. I was truly grateful for our phone conversations. They were always uplifting. I will miss them so. Much love to Trudy and the entire family. I often said Dave was the Dave Barry of our times. He would have been a fantastic columnist. Since Dave enjoyed a good laugh, I will never forget an incident that happened at the Kewpee when I worked there for a short period of time. The fire extinguishing system went off and everyone ran out of the restaurant. I was trapped behind the circular counter. I see Dave, Ricky, and Paul staring at me through the circular window outside and caught them laughing as I pole-vaulted over the counter. We laughed about it for years. I'll miss you, Dave. God Bless. I'd like to think that heaven has double cheeseburgers, extra pickles, fries, iced rootbeer and a strawberry shake!
Christina Fox
January 25, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family.
Jim & Jean
January 25, 2023
Dave was so loved by family and friends. He will be missed. Hugs to Trudy and family.
Joan Tobias
January 23, 2023
He will be missed! God bless! Take care! love, Joan Tobias
Terry Backmann
January 23, 2023
So sorry to see Dave has passed. He was a good buddy during my brief insurance career. Gone too soon. Condolences to Trudy and all his family and friends.
Gary & Gerry Lipor
January 21, 2023
May you all find peace and comfort for your loss. Please accept our prayers and sympathy. We are thinking of all of you. May he RIP.
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Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home803 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403
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