David S. Gaza, 80, of Shawano, passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, following a 12-year, valiantly fought battle with cancer, after unselfishly participating in a clinical trial that afforded him 11 years of remission, but the “Big C” is a battle that is never won. David was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 19, 1942, to his beloved parents, Stanley Gaza and Helen (nee Steffan).
David was preceded in death by his parents, Father Stanley who passed on Christmas Eve, when David was 12 years old; and his mother, Helen (nee Steffan), who then raised him alone and was responsible for the wonderful, caring, accomplished man he became. She now has reunited with her card partner and number one in heaven.
David was also preceded in death by his sister, Linda Schweitzer; nephew, Jordan Rahman, and David’s “four-legged son” Brandy-Man “Boomba,” who was his constant companion, hunter and buddy. He was further preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, David, Daryl and Ken Karklus.
Survivors include his loving wife of 24 years, Judy (nee Karl-Karklus); sisters, Sharon Todd and Barbara (Hamdallah) Rahman; brothers, Stephen Gaza and John (Jennifer) Sucharski; nephews, Jamal Rahman, Sam (Jamie) Rahman and Chris Gaza; nieces, Trisha Schweitzer, Meghan Gaza and Katie Sucharski; great-nephews, Jacob Rahman and Jaxson Rahman; brother-in-law, Greg Schweitzer, and sister-in-law, JoAnn Karklus. He is further survived by his nephews by marriage, David (Angie), Andrew (Cheryl) and Tony; and a niece by marriage, Wendy Hassell-Karklus.
David served his country, enlisting for three years in the U.S. Army (32nd Division) National Guard (Red Arrow) immediately followed by a three-year enlistment in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
After eight years of employment at Allen Bradley, David joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 1968, serving 27 years. In 1980, he was assigned to the youth aid bureau, now known as sensitive crimes unit, where he served 13 years, until his retirement. He recalled always having great partners and bosses throughout his career.
Together, Dave and Judy enjoyed their home on Shawano Lake, boating, fishing and making many wonderful lifelong friends who were an important part of making Shawano their home, with special thanks to Stephen Heesakker, Ann Nack, Richard and Robin Gamroth, Bart Strelka, David and Andrea Dittman, Ray and Marie Ferguson, Randy Peters, David Vahl, John Retzlaff, Russ and Sandy Crawford and our numerous friends at the local watering holes — Seasons on Mondays, and Classic’s on Wednesdays.
The Gazas enjoyed 12 cruises and traveled to many wonderful, exciting and memorable places.
Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. and again on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the procession leaves for Sacred Heart Cemetery at 11 a.m. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery.
The family requests memorials be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Shawano County Humane Society. “Until we all meet again, it was a wonderful life, and I did it my way, so please don’t be sad for me.”
www.swedbergfuneralhome.com
David S. Gaza
