David John Cole

January  1st, 1949 February  9th, 2024
Morro Bay, CA
David John Cole

In loving memory of a great man - husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, friend, and leader.

Obituary

In Loving Memory of David John Cole

Born on January 1, 1949, David John Cole grew up in Racine, Wisconsin where he met his loving wife, Marie.  He raised his daughter in Glencoe, Illinois where he served as Village Manager from 1983-1991.  Dave, Marie, and Jen have all enjoyed living on the west coast since 1995.  After a brave battle with pancreatic cancer, it is with heavy heart that I announce his peaceful passing in Morro Bay, California on February 9, 2024, at the age of 75.

David was preceded in death by his loving wife (Marie, 2020) and his parents (Pearl & Harold Cole). He leaves behind his daughter (Jen Weck), two grandchildren (Paige & Ryan), his brother (Harold) and nephews (Doug, Randy, Tim), as well as the Hartwig relatives, Marie's brothers (John & Helen, Joe, Evan, Maria) & (David & Barb, Joshua).

Dave had many life-long friends from all over the country who he kept in close touch with. Many people will remember his prolific emails where he shared so much of himself through written thoughts and musings. His words have been cherished.

A more formal obituary will follow and be sent to publications in Racine, WI, Glencoe, IL, and Morro Bay, CA.

Rest in eternal peace, Dad. We will miss you dearly, but your love will live on forever.

- Jen (Cole) Weck

Gallery

Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


February 24, 2024
I knew Dave and Marie well. High school classmates. Dave was quite the athlete and we would battle foes and sometimes each other on football fields & basketball courts since junior high school. To the surprise of many, we both became successful in our respective work. We reconnected about 12 years ago and would regale in stories and lies of our youth through email. He led a great life and made a difference in so many ways. My condolences to family and friends as he will be missed….but always in our hearts. Sending peace and love through these hard times.
Mike Spranger
February 18, 2024
My mind is still processing the fact that he has left this physical world, I will miss his wisdom and kind words. Dave was a bright light and a great human being, I will forever remember and cherish our friendship. I hope you are at peace and reunited with your beloved Marie. Ci vediamo un’altro giorno amico.
Giovanni Tartaglia
February 12, 2024
I have known Dave for 15-18:years…. I met him and Marie through mutual friends. I met with him in my home in Fallbrook and in his house in MB numerous times. We shared our love of surfing!

Dave was a very kind guy, very bright and very easy to be around. I last heard from him just a week or so ago …… in the note he gave a detailed description of his health issues. I knew he was sick and that the clock was ticking, but I had he had no idea he was that close to the end. I will miss Dave and his great emails. My condolences and best wishes to Jen!
MikeReardon
February 12, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. Our paths crossed after David reached out to after seeing a short film we'd made. This led to his guidance on another film project, and his early advocacy for us meant the world. We had the privilege of spending a weekend with David and Marie at their home in Morro Bay, where he treated my brother and I like royalty. I've never forgotten David's interest and belief in us. Even with this brief window into his life, I could tell he was rich with friends. My heart goes out to you in Michigan.
Seth Anderson

Memorial


Memorial plans are being made and will be shared here once determined.  Dave and Marie both chose to be cremated, in order to stay close to Jen.  Jen plans on bringing both urns back home to the midwest this summer for a memorial.  Details TBD.

Dave's Great Lakes surfing family is also planning a paddle-out memorial on Lake Michigan this spring.  Details TBD.

Donate

$ 50
Raised by 1 people
In honor of Dave and the Cole Family (David, Marie, & Jen), memorial benches or trees will be purchased at Racine beach (WI) and Glencoe beach (IL) and the Chicago Botanical Gardens.  The family life and legacy lives on through Jen and her children in San Diego, CA and the family home in Morro Bay.

Your gift to the memorial fund for these remembrances in memory of Dave and/or Marie is greatly appreciated.
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