David J. "Dave" Walbrun, age 74 of Neenah, devoted husband, caring brother, loving father, & proud Grandpa, passed away unexpectedly at his Pelican Lake cottage on Saturday, July 21, 2012. He was born October 20, 1937 in Appleton, son of the late Hillard & Hilda (Rehlender) Walbrun.

Dave graduated from St. Mary Central High School in 1956. After graduation, he served his country as a member of the US Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. He was extremely proud to be a Marine and was a regular attendee at the annual Marine Corps "Old Salts" dinner held here in the Fox Valley.

Upon returning from the Corps, Dave met the love of his life & married Patricia "Pat" Neubauer on September 8, 1962 at St. John the Baptist Church in Menasha. They were preparing to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in September with a Mass and dinner for family and friends. A trip to California was planned for the end of September.

Dave spent his working career in the paper & ink industry, working for American Can, Banta Company, and finally retiring from A.J. Daw Ink Company in June 2000. After retirement, Dave enjoyed working part time as a shuttle driver for Bergstrom Automotive and just recently had become a volunteer at Theda Clark Medical Center.

Dave was a Boy Scout in his teen years, proudly earning the Ad Altare Dei emblem & ultimately the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He then was a Troop Leader for many years with Troop 50 in the area. He also was active in coaching Little League baseball various times throughout the years. He enjoyed hunting & fishing during his early years, and took many walleyes from Lakes Winnebago & Poygan. He took up the game of golf later in life, and although he was never mistaken for a scratch golfer, he took great pleasure in sharing many rounds with Pat and various friends of theirs. But Dave's greatest enjoyment in life came from watching first his children, and then later his grandchildren, participate in their various sporting events & other activities. Whether it be football, baseball/softball, track, or dance, Dave was always in attendance and there wasn't a prouder or more supportive fan cheering on "his kids". They truly were his pride & joy.

Survivors include his ever-loving wife & constant companion, Pat; two children: Debbie (Steve) Wolf and their children Tyler & Heather, and Steve (Sue) Walbrun and their children Amanda & Bryce, all of Darboy; a sister, Judy (Hal) Jorgensen, Appleton; his mother-in-law, Bernice Neubauer, Menasha; a brother-in-law, Bill (Barb) Neubauer, Appleton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a brother, Mike Walbrun; and his father-in-law, Leland Neubauer.

The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 900 Geiger St., Neenah, with Fr. Richard Allen officiating. The visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the hour of service. Full military honors will follow the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in his name.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the neighbors and first responders at Pelican Lake who did everything they could to keep Dave with us a little longer, and then stayed with Pat to comfort her until her family could arrive. Dave: We may have had our moments, but you always were, and still are, my rock and soul mate. I would never trade any of the 50 years or moments we shared together. I will always love you & I miss you so much already. Pat

Dad: For all the joy & pride you had for us, we want you to know that nothing could ever compare to how proud we are to call you "Dad". Your selflessness & love for us and all of our family was never ending and unsurpassed. THANK YOU for everything, you will be sorely missed.

Grandpa: We will always cherish the pride, joy, and love you had for each of us. We will always remember what a great supporter you were through all of our achievements.

To My Brother: Dave you were a good person. You were a hard worker, honest, provided well for your family, always helpful to others, respectful, and fun to be with. You have left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved you. Your love of God, Country and family was at the top of your list. You were a proud Marine and I always respected you for that. Now it's time to enjoy Heavenly Peace along with Mom, Dad, and Mike. You were a wonderful brother and I will miss you very much. Rest in Peace Dave, as God welcomes you home.