David Gustave Stefan, 76, passed away peacefully Feb. 24, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 22, 1947, in Rhinelander to the late Gustave and Lucille (Grieg) Stefan.  He married Susan (Ravnum) Stefan Feb. 25, 1967, in Black River Falls.

David graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1965.  He lettered in football, basketball and baseball.  He represented Rhinelander at Badger Boys State learning how to become a more impactful community leader. He attended UW Milwaukee for two years playing baseball, then transferred to UW La Crosse where he played football, as well as obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in physical education Jan. 22, 1971. His first teaching position was at Fall Creek High School, as a physical education teacher and also a wrestling and assistant basketball coach. He then moved to Elcho, where he taught health, history and phy. ed.  He was head basketball and assistant football coach. His time at Elcho High School was extremely enjoyable for 10-plus years.

In 1984, he moved to Black River Falls with his wife, Susan, purchasing the Ben Franklin Store.  He enjoyed helping customers and became well known for his framing talents.  In 1990, he returned to teaching at an alternative education school.  He was a tremendous teacher and mentor to the students assisting them with life skills and academics.  He found great reward seeing successful progress with his students. His final move in education was to Blair-Taylor where he taught phy. ed and was assistant football coach. David retired from teaching in 2003 and moved to Lyndon Station.

Throughout his life he enjoyed coaching, playing sports, boating, camping and spending time with his family; especially his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Troy (La Anna) Stefan, Trever (Rynae) Stefan; sister, Darlene Scheidegger; brother-in-law, John (Geri) Ravnum; Stefan grandchildren, Shayla, David, Austin, Maranda, Karlie (Trent) Meyer and Jeremiah White; great-granddaughter Sloane River Meyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald Stefan; sister, Sharon Flannery and granddaughter, Whitney Stefan.

Funeral Services for David will be Saturday, March 4, at 10:30 a.m. at Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg.  Visitation will also be Saturday at the funeral home, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will follow services at Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls.

The family would prefer memorials be given to a memorial fund established in David’s’ name to begin a scholarship for Elcho High School in his honor.

Farber Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements.