David E. Seidel

David Elton Seidel, age 79, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He was born at home on June 15, 1944, to Elroy and Doris (Swenson) Seidel. He married his wife Sherrie (Amacher) Seidel on November 3, 1973, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Withee, WI.

David was best known for his strong work ethic which was instilled in him at a young age while tagging along on his father’s milk route. He would graduate Viroqua High School in 1962, and go on to work various odd jobs, including selling encyclopedias door-to-door and becoming “the best salesman I ever had” at Hanson’s Shoes on Main Street. During this time he also served a 6 year stint in the Army National Guard. Eventually David would join his father’s fledgling excavating business where he found his true calling as “Digger Dave.”

David loved the 70-acre farm where he and Sherrie raised crops (tobacco in the early days), and beef cattle. At its peak there were 30 head between cows and calves which, in addition to his day job, kept him plenty busy. The farm also allowed ample space for David to store all the trucks, excavators, bulldozers, and other tools of the trade he held so dear.

He was very community-minded and put his skill with equipment to use wherever he could. He helped to build the track at the Vernon County Fairgrounds, volunteered to launch fireworks at the 4th of July celebrations, and most importantly (to his kids at least) donated countless hours in the excavating and construction of the Viroqua Community Arena. He was a certified “hockey dad” and rarely, if ever, missed a game despite his exceedingly busy schedule and commitments.

Aside from work David was passionate about many things. He was a founding member of the Kickapoo Valley 4-Wheelers where he coordinated tractor-pulls, hill climbs, and mud bogs. In addition, he took great pride in his 1934 Chevy Street Rod as it garnered numerous awards at classic car shows throughout the area. He had a love for bowling and sponsored the Seidel Excavating bowling team for over 30 years.

In his younger days David was a verified pool shark and could be found at the Viroqua pool hall any given night of the week. Years later after the hall closed, David purchased “his” table and moved it to the basement at home where he passed his love of pool onto his boys. He taught them strategy and how to use English and “shape” all while betting them dollars they couldn’t make 3-cushion bank shots, or table-length shots along the rail. He almost always won those bets…

He was confirmed at, and lifetime member of, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua.

David is survived by his wife Sherrie Seidel of Viroqua; his two sons, Sean (Jenna) of Viroqua and Mike (Courtney) of Middleton; and five grandchildren: Trystin, Taelynn, Jack, Quinn, and Sloane; his nephew Randy Nash of Evansville; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Elroy Seidel; sister and brother-in-law, Yvonne and Donald Nash; and his nephew Robbie Nash.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bethel Oaks Memory Care or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua, WI.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua with Pastor Michele Engh officiating.  Burial to follow in the Viroqua Cemetery with military rites by the United States Army Honor Team, Running-Johnson-Ray VFW Post # 3032, and Jacobson-Olson American Legion Post #138.  Visitation will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at the church and Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

The service will be livestreamed on Facebook through Immanuel Lutheran Church. http://facebook.com/viroqua.immanuel

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is serving the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David E. Seidel, please visit our floral store.