David John Pleshe

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - David John Pleshe, 82, of Wakefield, passed away at his home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

David was born on Sept. 10, 1943, in Tri Mountain, Michigan. He was the eldest son of John Anthony and Alma Alina (Rautio) Plesh. The family lived in Painsdale, Michigan, moved to Ironwood for a short time, and then settled in Ramsay, where he spent the majority of his youth. He attended the Ramsay School and A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer.

In 1961, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Pirmasens, Germany with the 79th Engineers Battalion, B Company, and was a heavy equipment/crane operator. He was honorably discharged in 1964 and always claimed that he "grew up" in Germany.

On Oct. 31, 1970, he was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Bolen at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay. David and Gloria resided in Milwaukee for several years before moving to Wakefield and settling in Plymouth Location. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage and were blessed with four daughters, Jana Susanne (Douglas) Reppond, Angela Jean, Katie Elizabeth (Mark) Rounds and Carly Rae (Wayne) Freund. David's daughters were his pride and joy and he loved bringing his four little blonde girls to Mass each Sunday.

David was a local truck driver and in 1986, began his over-the-road career with Interstate Trucking Corporation (ITC.) All his girls loved going on the road with him and have many fond memories of these adventures. After his retirement, he was employed as a lift operator at Indianhead Mountain in Wakefield and looked forward to his morning chats with the rest of the crew before heading out to his magic carpet each day.

Because of his time in the Army, he developed a passion for travel. Throughout their marriage, he and Gloria visited many destinations, including Germany. The planning and preparation for this trip consumed him for more than a year. He never imagined going back to Pirmasens, yet alone bringing Gloria to share in his past memories of the time he spent there. The memories that they made on this trip were unforgettable, especially enjoying an ice cold Park Brau beer at his former haunt, the Turmshanke.

David is survived by his wife, daughters, sons-in-law and 11 grandchildren, Alina and Trace Kolehmainen, Matthew and Meghan Reppond, Connor and Grayson Kimmes, Iley and Cale Rounds, and Damon, Isabella and Vivian Freund. He is also survived by a brother, Anthony; nephews, Patrick (Karen), Paul, Jason (Anne) and Matt Plesh, two sisters-in-law, Annette Plesh and Patty Plesh; his lifelong best friend, Dennis (Zer) Libertoski; along with many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Steven; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Vivian Bolen.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Christian Flagstadt, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

A reception will be held at the VFW Post 9084, 107 E. US 2, in Wakefield, following the military honors.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in the spring at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Gogebic County Sheriff's deputies and Beacon Ambulance first responders, as well as to Jerald Rocco for going above and beyond to support and comfort our family during this difficult time.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Inc. in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.