David Arnold Crowe of Ontario, Wis., passed away peacefully on March 5, 2022, at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse, Wis. He lived a healthy life up until November. His loved ones were there to help him rally, but in the end, this was out of anybody’s control. He died of a cancerous brain tumor, taken from all of us too soon. Dave lived life to the fullest; he always rose early to meet the day and face it head on.
Born April 6, 1956, to Arnold and Carol “Pat” Crowe, Dave was raised on the family dairy farm near Twin Lakes, Wis., learning the value of hard work. Dave could be stubborn. He left high school a single band-class credit shy of graduation, as he knew he was not going to earn a living playing coronet for the rest of his life. Determined to achieve his vision of the American dream, Dave began Crowe Concrete, his own concrete and construction business. In 1983, Dave relocated to Ontario, Wis., where he grew his business, raised his family, and became a well-known and respected member of the community.
Dave was always ready to lend a hand or help out a friend. A jack of all trades, he created unique solutions to solve the problems at hand, a McGyver of sorts! He performed all manners of construction: demolition, excavation, and concrete work, as well as designing, building and moving homes. Dave was the guy you could turn to to fix anything that was broken. Some of his fixes were truly unique, and most of the time they actually worked! He truly loved operating various excavating equipment; it was his “superpower.” Dave danced with his equipment, performing dips like none other, and many commented he was the best in the business.
When Dave entered a room, he would soon be the center of attention. He was well-known for his storytelling, jokes, and pranks. Dave really enjoyed it when he could “pull one over” on his sister! He enjoyed morning coffee downtown, playing cards, and having good conversation with friends. He could BS with the best of them! He liked a good game of cribbage, and you better have had a dollar in your pocket.
Dave was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting deer, turkey, rabbits, and squirrels in Wisconsin. He occasionally traveled out of state to hunt elk, waterfowl, and pheasants. He also loved fishing the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, the lakes of northern Wisconsin, and salmon fishing the Great Lakes with his dad. As a young man, he once took a cross-country motorcycle trip with two friends on his BMW, of which many good stories were told from that adventure. Dave always had a knack for taking the path less traveled on many trips, sometimes missing his destination entirely.
Dave cared deeply about his family and was very proud of his daughter Amanda. They shared many adventures ranging from Girl Scouts, to fishing, hunting, canoeing the Kickapoo, time in the woods, and many road trips. Even during his last days at the hospital, Dave was trying to get Amanda to figure out a way for them to go skydiving together. Dave also cherished time with his son Arnie. They enjoyed walks in the woods, boating, bowling, swimming, and getting pizza together.
Dave was a hard worker, but he also had a softer side, too. He was a kind soul with a big heart — always there to help. David liked to dance, always “cutting a rug” on the dance floor at family weddings. In the end, he only wanted to be able to walk again and have one last dance. He was so grateful for all of those who took part in caring for him while he was hospitalized at Gundersen. He would share a story (mostly hunting and fishing) or a joke and get to know many of them. It was evident that they appreciated his gratitude for them as well. Dave had so many phone calls from friends wanting to help him in the end; his family greatly appreciates the love and kindness so many have given Dave in his time of need. He was proud to say he lived in Ontario; it truly became his home.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Crowe. He is survived by his mother, Carol “Pat” Crowe; his children, Amanda Crowe of Palmer, Alaska, and Arnold “Arnie” Crowe of Ontario, Wis., and the mother of his children, Marlene Crowe of Ontario, Wis.; his sister, Mattie (Doug) Pitts of Rice Lake, Wis.; his sister, Christine (Rocky) Bank of Sarona, Wis.; his brother, Russell (Sara) Crowe of Janesville, Wis.; and his nieces and nephews, Bryan (Jocelyn) Pitts, Josie (Mike) Lobe, Kristen (Wes) Bouska, Kate Smith, Cody (Jess) Bank, Kelsey Bank, Michael (Elizabeth) Crowe, Tyler (Tasha) Crowe, Travis Crowe, and Brittany Johnson. He also is survived by Kim and Jeremiah Arnold, who have been by his side. He leaves behind Nacho, his horse, and Rusty, his dog; they will be lost without Dave.
In true “Dave Crowe style,” a celebration for all of his family, friends and neighbors will be from 4–7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the old Ontario Elementary School building, 114 Church St., Ontario. The Crowe-Style Celebration requires music, stories, laughter, and your presence. He would want to be remembered as he was: full of happiness and cheer. At 6 p.m., or whenever Tor gives up the microphone, there will be a time for anyone wishing to reminisce and share stories.
Per his wishes, he will be transported to Kentucky and be buried in the family cemetery near his father.
Memorials should be directed to any Ontario-based organizations or clubs that will assist the community, which Dave helped build, in continuing to grow.
Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
