David Walter Deyo, age 77, passed away peacefully at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. He was born on November 21, 1940 in Three Rivers, Michigan, and born to the late Robert and Mary Jane (Stinson) Deyo. David later grew up in Appleton, where he attended Appleton High School with the class of 1959.
In July of 1959, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he was a Seaman (E-3) in the underwater demolition division until August 1963. While in the Navy, he was stationed aboard the USS Lake Champlain picking up American Astronaut Alan Shephard after his first American space flight in 1961. Among the other naval vessels he served on were the USS Alameda County and USS Saratoga.
He also received commendations for his service, including one from the late President John F. Kennedy. David first worked at the Quaker Dairy in his later youth. Following service to his country he would receive work at the Boilerworks.
He would then travel taking trade jobs across the United States, before settling back in Appleton. He then transitioned to working for Fox River Paper Company in Appleton for over 20 years until his retirement. Dating back to his youth, David was an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
He would travel across Wisconsin and cross-country to participate in motorcycle racing. David would also attend motorcycle rallies including the famous annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. David was also a trapper and hunting enthusiast who loved to be in the outdoors with his friends. Following his retirement, he would spend much of his time with his six grand-children.
David is survived by his three children: Sarah Laudolff, Becky (Paul) Brown and Peter Deyo, all of Appleton, WI; six grandchildren: Zach and Nick Laudolff, Lily Deyo-O’Connell, Brandon Deyo and Tyler and Keira Brown. He is also survived by his siblings: Linda Newton, Lynn Hietpas, Richard (Yvonne) Deyo, Steven Deyo, Rob Deyo, Daniel Deyo, Julie Deyo and Amy Deyo. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
David is preceded in death by his parents, along with his grandchild Chloe Deyo and sister Lisa Deyo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the American Legion Post 38 of Appleton, WI. A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Monday, November 5, at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel with Deacon Maury Reed officiating, followed by full military honors performed by Appleton Legion Post 38.
Friends may visit on Monday at the funeral chapel form 9:30 am until 10:45 am. Inurnment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all the hospital staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton for the excellent care they have provided.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
