David B. Likely, 71, of Norwalk, formerly of Tomah, died of cancer Thursday afternoon, July 3, at home, surrounded by his family.
He was born Oct. 17, 1942, to Harry and Gertrude (Dams) Likely in Tomah. David was united in marriage Sept. 5, 1982, to Vanessa (Fantasia) Likely. David graduated from Tomah High School in 1960. He spent nine years proudly serving his country in the United States Navy. He went on to work for the Department of Defense in Virginia Beach, Va. He retired in 1997 as director of maintenance for Oceana Naval Air Station and Dam Neck Training Center.
In 1999, with his wife and son, he returned home to Tomah, where he farmed beef and renovated the property until 2002. David wasn’t content to stay home, so he went back to work managing the Wonewoc Fastrip and the Ontario Fastrip, finally retiring in 2012. David never met a stranger; he charmed everyone with his outgoing personality and sense of humor. He could do anything and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.
David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Vanessa; his son, Harry D. Likely; three brothers, Robert (Rita) Likely, Tom (Barbara) Likely and Mike (Marry Ellen) Likely; three sisters, Mary (Ralph) Wendland, Betty (Dennis) Durec and Barbie (Fred) Callaway; a sister-in-law, Alice Likely; his father-in-law, John F. Fantasia; two brothers-in-law, Tom (Terry) Fantasia and Paul (Ruth) Fantasia; a sister-in-law, Jody Fantasia; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Likely; and his mother-in-law, Marilyn R. Fantasia.
Funeral services were Tuesday, July 8, at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery, town of Tomah.
