David Gerhard Herriges passed away peacefully at his St. Camillus residence on Saturday, March 30, 2024, age 89 years. The beloved husband for 65 years to Nancy Kay (nee Easter) Herriges. Cherished Father of Christine (Jerry) Cayo, Catherine (Dale) Holland, Ellen (Keith) Drummond and Bill (Laurie) Herriges. Loving grandfather to 8 grandchildren: Jennifer (Xavier) Nitschke-Thomas, Hayley (Ryan Perez) Nitschke, Ian Drummond, Erica Holland, Brenna (Evan Downie) Drummond, Lucas (Fiki Falola) Drummond, Evan Herriges and Jonathan Herriges. Adoring great-grandfather to Anamika Klewin, Ezrah Thomas, Keyanna Bargy, Elijah Perez, Rafael Thomas, and Izaiah Perez. Dear brother of Joanne Spraitz, Russell (Claudette) Herriges, Ginger Marek, Susie Oxborough and Michael (Judy) Herriges. Brother-in-law of Susanne Herriges. Preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Helen Herriges; siblings and in-laws, Harlyn Herriges, Roger (Audrey) Herriges, Ray Spraitz, Ronald Marek, Leo Oxborough, Kathy and Walter Thiele, Karen Conklin and Gary Herriges. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

David (better known as Dave), was born in his family home in Milwaukee, WI on March 11, 1935. Dave was the fifth of 11 children. At a young age, Dave developed rheumatic heart disease and the doctor advised against sports. Thus, his mother made the wise decision to get him piano lessons. Thanks to 13 years of lessons and a natural ability to play by ear, he became a very talented pianist, even playing with a professional Dixieland Jazz band in his young adulthood. Throughout his life, Dave thoroughly enjoyed playing his piano, which brought much joy to both family and friends. His children will always remember the "Little Red Monkey" song that they begged Dad to play repeatedly much to his dismay, and friends will remember gathering around the piano to sing to Christmas songs. Yet, the most touching was when Dave played, "You Are So Beautiful" and "I Only Have Eyes for You," for his beloved Nancy.

While growing up, despite the doctor's orders to avoid sports, Dave often played baseball with family and friends in the big empty field next to his childhood home and even joined the Town of Lake baseball league. Dave also loved to tinker with cars in the sturdy garage he built on his parents' property, and going to watch his brother's races at the Great Lakes Dragaway. At 17 he began working in his father's construction business, as a carpenter's assistant. And after studying math, physics and philosophy at Marquette University, Dave went on to work as a systems analyst both at JC Penney's and Marine Bank.

Despite some apparent differences in their personalities, Practical Dave (the homebody) and Fancy Nancy (the social butterfly), were the loves of each other's lives and they were blessed with a long and beautiful life together. Nancy, with her exceptional social spirit, kept Dave very busy. Numerous dinner engagements, bridge club, tennis, golf outings, skiing trips, and annual Christmas parties created many fond memories for them. Dave and Nancy and their children are grateful for their many amazing, long-term friendships, many of whom have been willing and able to be a part of their lives to this day!

In contrast to Nancy, Dave also valued his time alone. He enjoyed woodworking, reading books, completing complex puzzles, crosswords, playing piano, and listening to music. Scrabble was one of his favorite games to play, his family always eager to impress him with a skillfully played word. But above all, Dave valued his family. He was a steadfast and devoted family man...the kind that always had his family's backs. Dave's favorite events were spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dave was famous for dealing with fussy grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would carry them around the house and soothe them by talking to them about anything and everything their eyes gazed upon - a true baby whisperer! He had a quiet, caring nature - teaching his children to be humble, kind, empathetic, charitable, loyal, act with integrity, and have compassion for all. Dave's love for his family was rooted in respect and delivered both in actions and in words. His family is grateful for years' worth of hugs and "I love you," when it was time to say goodbye and even more grateful to have showered him with both in his final days.

Heartwarming to his family are the numerous condolences received that spoke to the admiration and respect that so many had for Dave. They have been a testament to his significant positive impact on others, some even saying they have chosen to live certain aspects of their lives as they learned from him. Nancy, his children, and grandchildren have so much gratitude for having this exceptionally good man, David Gerhard Herriges, in our lives. We know many friends also share the same sentiments. Dave is deeply loved and appreciated and to say he will be deeply missed is an understatement.

It is with heartfelt gratitude we thank all of the dedicated staff at St. Camillus, with special thanks to their most recently immediate caregivers for their kindness and bringing joy to our parents lives: Katherine, Kristy, Fanessa, Carmencita, Jovanna, Sister Rispher, Latrese, Chaplain Colleen, Sister Jasmine, Molly, Xia, Tracy and Jonetta.

Memorial Visitation on Friday, May 10, 2024, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at St. Camillus Guardian Angel Chapel, 10100 W. Bluemound Rd. Wauwatosa, WI. 53226 (East Residence-Independent living high rise). Memorial Service at 1:00 PM. If desired, memorials to the Salvation Army are appreciated.