David Roland “Schwengy” Schwengel

David Roland “Schwengy” Schwengel, 69, of Saukville passed away March 28, 2024, at home with his partner and wife of 35 years, Kathi (nee Jansen), at his side.

Dave was born and raised in Grafton. He worked at Tecumseh for many years before moving on to shipping and receiving, first at Federal Tool & Engineering, followed by a short stint at Advanced Coatings after which he moved on to KMC, retiring in 2017.

One of Dave’s great joys was riding his Harley, and he would use any excuse to take it out for a spin. He enjoyed the freedom and power of his bikes through the years and for a time earned himself the moniker of Wheely King. Although not a fan of crowds, Dave liked to attend local Harley events and even talked Kathi into making the trip to the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota not once, but twice.

Although he took a lot of good-natured ribbing after retirement for spending too much time on the couch watching Jerry Springer, Dave was always hard working. Not one to have someone else do the work, he took pride in keeping up the vehicles as well as a well-maintained yard and house.

Soft spoken, easy going, always ready to lend a hand or help a friend, Dave’s infectious laugh and unique sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

Dave liked to spend time with family and friends camping at state parks, hiking and sitting around the campfire or lighting up an insanely huge bonfire in the yard. One of the highlights of his summers was always the Ozaukee County Fair. Sunday afternoons during the fall, Dave could usually be found shooting on a local dart league with friends.

Nicknamed the “Craft Master,” Dave would supervise girls’ night sessions to ensure things were being done correctly, give his input when he felt they weren’t and occasionally take over a part of the project he felt needed his touch.

Dave was a source of great support for Kathi with their Australian shepherds, holding down the fort when she traveled, bragging a bit when she did well with the dogs and serving as chief cook and bottle washer for many dog-related events. And although he would often remark he didn’t even like dogs, no one ever believed him. There was always one dog with which he formed a special, abiding bond. The latest in that line, Miss Jig, will have no doubt met him at the bridge, waiting for her usual bear hug and a rousing game of chuck-it.

Per Dave’s wishes, there will be no service.

The family asks that in lieu of cards, flowers or other condolences, you go out and do something you enjoy because, in Dave’s words, “It is what it is.”