David Lee Ekern, 67, left our world for eternal glory Monday, April 2, 2018, following a very courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

He was born June 13, 1950, to Walter and Ruth Ekern. During his earlier years he attended Westby schools and at age 15, his family moved to La Crosse. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1968. In 1970, David enlisted in the U.S. Army. He then spent time working in the DMZ in Korea, where he was exposed to Agent Orange.

David married the love of his life, Mary Ann Hanifl in 1973. In 1977, David and Mary Ann owned and operated the Burger Time restaurant in West Salem. David then spent many years as a heavy equipment operator and semi driver. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 139 and was known for his work ethic and talent. His most enjoyable work came in the form of using a front-end loader and moving truck to load and haul cars for scrap metal.

David and Mary Ann have six sons and two daughters. David was a foster father to approximately 50 La Crosse county children. He loved to visit with people, tell stories and was always willing to help anyone in need. He enjoyed motorsports and attending his children’s sports events and performances.

He was so proud of and thankful for his family. During his final days, despite much pain and discomfort, he still expressed sincere gratitude for his family who were with him around the clock to provide him care. He was also grateful for all those who visited and spent time with him. His sense of humor, love of visiting with others and gratitude for the blessings that he did have could not be quelled by his sickness.

He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Mary Ann; and children, David (Jenny), Eric, Nicholas, Katie (Brady), Donald (Mallory), Patrick (Gao), Dylan and Maria. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dawson, Lilly, Lily, Ekern, Vincent Zito, Liam and Skyla Warner, Soren and Periwinkle Doerfler and Jullian La Barre. Also he is survived by his brothers, Art (Mary Ann) Ekern, Bud (Joan) Gochenaur; sister, Pat (Ray) Taffora; and in-laws, Kathy Erlandson, David, Kay and Greg Hanifl; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth; father-in-law, Edward; mother-in-law, Marian; and brother-in-law, Dr. Martin Erlandson.

A eulogy for David, by his sons, Eric and Patrick Ekern will begin at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 210 W. Hamlin Street, West Salem. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Douglas Robertson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church and again from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the time of the eulogy. Burial with military honors will be held at a later date.

Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.