This Issue is a Tribute to Dave Svetlik

This edition is dedicated to Dave Svetlik. Dave was a brilliant man as well as one of the founders of Middle Wisconsin. Dave contributed thoughtful pieces he truly believed in on a regular basis to Middle Wisconsin. Sadly, Dave passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Losses like Dave make me think of legacies. What kind of footprint will you leave? What would you like people to remember about you? Will anything you do today make a difference tomorrow? What creates that legacy?

Far too many people look at what they have gained out of life, their possessions and accomplishments. Good on all that, but I want to know what values you hold. I want to know what you did that had an impact on the lives of others.

For Dave, I think it was that he was authentic. To me that hits the very emotion of our being. Dave taught through passion and the commitment of making life better for everyone; not just the few. Dave wasn’t just a leader; Dave lived his core values every day. Please watch over us and guide us Dave.

I hope the story of your life lives on. I hope there are people who hold your stories dear enough to repeat them and that they are heard far and wide. In this issue we are sharing a few of those wonderful articles, as only Dave could tell them.

There will be a Celebration of Life for those who knew Dave on Friday, June 5 – 10 AM visitation and service at 11 AM. Luncheon to follow at Mt Olive Church on Alderson Street, Schofield.