David Tower

David John Tower, 68, passed away in his home in Ferryville, WI surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2015. David was born on November 12, 1946 in La Crosse, WI to John and Beulah (Cox) Tower. He spent the first part of his childhood in Ferryville, WI before moving to Milwaukee, WI. Eventually, the Tower family returned to Ferryville, and he attended De Soto High School in De Soto, WI. Shortly after his dad passed away, he moved to Illinois to work with his uncles in the roofing business. Later, he moved to Milwaukee again where he met Nancy. He married Nancy (Tarr) on May 22, 1965 in Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after being married, Dave and Nancy moved to Illinois. During this time, Dave was employed as a roofer in Champaign, IL for several years. In 1971, Dave, Nancy and the three boys moved back to his roots in Ferryville, WI. He worked as a roofer until 1974 when he started working at Trane Company in La Crosse, WI as a welder. He remained there for 40 years until he retired in August 2014. At one point, he served as a union steward and chief union steward for Local Lodge 21. He made many lifetime friends while at work and while at play. David had many hobbies. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, playing cards, grilling chicken, roasting hogs and reading westerns. He especially loved to throw a yearly sand bar party on, what he called, Tower Island. He was also an avid Green Bay Packer and NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed his Pabst Blue Ribbon beer while spending time with family and friends. He was one who never sat still. He always found projects to keep himself busy including raising tobacco on the Harlan Parr farm, building pontoons for a remodeled boat, sand blasting and moving an entire railroad switch building from its original spot to Copeland Park in La Crosse, WI. Dave was a generous man who always helped others. He certainly enjoyed spending time, regardless of the event, with his lifetime love and best friend Nancy. The two of them enjoyed dancing, laughing, and celebrating life to its fullest. Dave is survived by his wife, Nancy of Ferryville, WI; three sons, Scott (Kelly) of Mauston, WI, Mike (Bergetta) of De Soto, WI, Don (Becky) of West Salem, WI and honorary son Dan (Lori) Alton of Stoddard, WI; 8 grandchildren Stephen, Danielle, Jeffrey, Kate, Abby, Sam, Matt and Savannah; 3 great grandchildren, Layla, Cashton and Willow; one brother, Tom Tower, and one sister, Bonnie (Jim) Copper both of Ferryville, WI; two brother-in-laws, Bill (Elaine) Tarr of Berlin, WI and Bob (Laura) Tarr of Wautoma, WI, one aunt, Etta Mathis of Erie, IL, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Beulah Tower and his younger brother John Tower. A memorial service will be held at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in De Soto, WI on February 14, 2015 at 2:30 PM. Friends may call from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to Crawford County Hospice and Ferryville First Responders. Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of De Soto is serving the family.