David A. Tatarowicz

In loving memory of David Alan Tatarowicz of Brown Deer, WI, age 72, born to life April 20, 1951, surrendered to God Sunday April 14, 2024.

Dave was the middle of 8 children, and grew up in Oak Park, IL.  Dave was a big guy with a bigger heart, and was known for his generosity, whether it was helping his family, neighbors, coworkers or employees. Those who knew him would say he’d always make sure everyone was taken care of. He was active in a number of organizations such as the Shriners, Masons, and Elks, and dabbled in local politics, working for the Paul Tsongas campaign and running for local elections, although his political affiliations changed with age and experience. Some things didn’t change, however; his love of dogs (especially Standard Poodles!), Polish heritage, and good music - Motown and jazz. Despite relocating to Wisconsin 35 years ago, he remained a steadfast Chicago Cubs fan, realizing every fan’s dream of seeing them win the World Series. He made sure to locate and frequent the traditional Polish delis in the area, and was thrilled to have the honor of becoming “DziaDzia” to his grandchildren.

He married his first wife Pam in 1973, and they had 2 daughters, Tara and Nina. In 2007 he married again to Debbie, and gained 2 stepchildren, Caitlin and Ryan. Dave was a family man, and could often be found supporting his kids, building their character with activities, or just hanging out with a weekend barbeque (burnt chicken, anyone?). He was hands-on with just about anything that needed to be done, and took on many projects, from car maintenance to home renovation, often involving the family in an all-hands-on-deck manner, making the most of the time the weekends offered. Those lucky (?) enough to travel on road-trip vacations can attest to long stretches without a break, confined to the vehicle, as Dave wouldn’t stop until someone spotted a moose.

He graduated high school from St Bonaventure in Sturtevant, WI in 1969, and was still in touch with many of his classmates. One of his first employers was Mars candy, and after graduation, he drove trucks for numerous companies. He found his passion in the van line moving industry, starting as an OTR driver, then moving to sales, eventually management and consultation work, and finally branching off to form his own small-business moving company in Milwaukee. From there, he ventured into real estate, working as a broker. Dave finally tapped into his entrepreneurial spirit once again, owning businesses that tied back to the moving industry with wood finishing and furniture repair.

Over many years, Dave had many acquaintances which became friends, whether through school, work colleagues, or community connections – Ed Brown and Leslie Morgan were two close friends that were regarded as family. Leslie and Dave met while working for the same van line – Dave offered assistance, and the two of them just clicked. They stayed close over the years, and Leslie was honored to stand up as the Best Man at Dave and Debbie’s wedding. Ed originally came into Dave’s life as his brothers’ classmate, but the two of them quickly became fast friends. In their younger days, they engaged in numerous joint ventures and jobs together in the moving industry, and Dave even recruited a number of Ed’s siblings. Ed was not just a friend; he was one of Dave’s extended family, included in holidays and family events. With the passing of time, they have remained in each other’s lives, in friendship, family, and support.

Dave left this world as he lived it – on his own terms, and in control. He reached out to many people in the weeks leading up to his passing, and was surrounded by family as he crossed over. He is survived by his wife Debbie, daughters Tara (Jon) and Nina (Mido), stepchildren Caitlin (Jason) and Ryan (Jesse), grandchildren Noor, Jade, and Rhazi (Nina), Mila and Will (Caitlin), first wife and life-long friend Pamela, siblings Carol, Philip (Delilah), and Lydia, siblings-in-law Sally, Debra, and Luis, and extended family Celeste (Michael), Cathy (Mario), Walter (Judy), Helen (Jim), Walter (Nancy) and Myra (Judy), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Dr. Ben and Viola Tatarowicz, and siblings Claude (Diane), Larry, Dolores, and Paul.