If you hear laughter coming from the skies, it’s because heaven has gained one of the wittiest guys around.

 David Roidt was born and raised in Viroqua, Wisconsin, where he spent his childhood playing cowboys, listening to the Lone Ranger, and participating in just about every sport he could. He went on to attend UWM with plans to graduate, travel the world, and write the next great American novel. All of that changed, however, when he laid eyes on a little co-ed he affectionately referred to as “the blonde.” 

Dave called “dibs” on her, while at the very same time, she was telling her friends that she wanted “the big one.” And so began the 61-year long love story of Diane and Dave—a love that became an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to know them.

They married in 1969, and after Dave completed his military service in Alaska, they returned to Wisconsin and chose Grafton as the place they would call home. Dave spent 33 years working as a guidance counselor at Ozaukee High School, where he touched the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Dave and Diane welcomed and raised two incredibly lucky children, Jenny and Jeff. Family was at the center of Dave’s world, and he shared his love of travel with his children and, eventually, his grandchildren. Many summers were spent piling into the car for memorable family road trips. Dave and Diane also traveled extensively, exploring the world together and often sharing those adventures with friends and other family members. 

Dave loved golf and enjoyed countless memorable rounds with friends and family. In 2013, he even achieved the golfer’s dream—a hole-in-one. He also loved expanding his mind through reading and participated in numerous book clubs, where he enjoyed hundreds of spirited discussions.

Dave possessed a quiet, humble intelligence and had a deep passion for community, peace, and justice. He was the person who would mow a neighbor’s grass or shovel their driveway without expecting anything in return. He was encouraging, kind, loving, patient, positive, and loyal. He was also deeply forgiving, teaching those around him that mistakes were opportunities to learn—not flaws in who we are. 

And then there was his sense of humor.

Dave was always the funniest person in the room. He never shied away from dark humor and could make anyone laugh with a perfectly timed joke, a knowing look, or even just a side glance. The only thing bigger than his sense of humor was his heart.

He lived passionately. He laughed heartily. He gave generously. He listened compassionately. And he lived fully. 

The number of lives Dave touched is far too great to count. He lived by the phrase, “Be the difference you want to see in the world.” And he truly was that difference. 

One of Dave’s favorite baseball hats says it perfectly: “What a difference a DAVE makes!” 

And what a difference he made. His laughter, kindness, wisdom, generosity, and love will live on in all of us, continuing to make the world a better place. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Diane; daughter, Jenny (Corey) Schram; son, Jeff (Jessica); grandchildren, Tommy (Macie) Schram and Lilly Schram; great-grandson, Emmett; sisters and brothers-in-law; nieces and nephews and other loving family members; as well as members of his other “families” from Village Church; book club; fitness class; golf; and countless friends who were lucky enough to know and love him. 

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at Ember Social in Grafton on December 5th from 1:00–4:00 p.m.