David B. Soukup

David B Soukup, 89, of Manitowoc formerly of the town of Gibson entered eternal life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with his loving wife at his side.

He was born on December 30, 1935. David was the son of the late Ralph and Mable Soukup. On February 19, 1955, he married Luella Lehrmann and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming.

David Graduated from Mishicot High school and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

David was a man of strong faith being a longtime member of St John's Lutheran church in Mishicot and most recently a member of Grace Lutheran Manitowoc. He served on church council and routinely ushered.

David was a dairy farmer for many years. He started farming in 1961 with 26 cows and built the herd to over 400 while farming 600 acres. David was featured by Purina feeds for his progressive feeding and management practices. David passed his passion for quality purebred livestock to his children by actively participating in 4-H. David looked forward to the Manitowoc County fair never missing. He was there encouraging his great-grandchildren until he could no longer attend.

David was also a District Representative for Thrivent Financial. He loved meeting new people and visiting churches, creating lifelong friendships.

After Dairy farming David switched his focus to Clydesdale horses. He was a member of the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA serving on the finance committee. He was also a member of the Wisconsin Draft Horse Association and Wisconsin Clydesdale Club. He volunteered at each World Clydesdale Show until he could no longer. He loved attending shows throughout the Midwest and Canada. David and Luella were inducted into the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA Heritage Hall of Fame. They were also inducted in the Wisconsin Draft Horse Breeders Hall of Fame.

David was an avid Badger fan. He rarely missed watching a football or basketball game.

He is survived by his wife Luella of 70 years and six children, Ann (Glenn) Sosnosky Jr. Mishicot; Lynn (Gail) Soukup, Plymouth; Debra (Jay) Fitzgerald, Reedsville; Julie (Steven) Ehrke, Deerfield; Barry Soukup (special friend Michelle), Reedsville; Marty (Sue) Soukup, Whitelaw; 15 grandchildren, one step grand-daughter, 26 great grandchildren, four sister-in-law's, one brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mable Soukup, in-laws Henry and Grace Lehrmann, brother Reverand Paul Soukup, two sister-in-law's and four brothers-in-law's.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a donation of their choice to charitable organizations that were important to David. Donations should be sent to Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes.

David's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of his caregivers.