David “Pep” Traska, 89, of Wausau, passed away at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on February 19, 2021. David was born in the Town of Texas on March 7, 1931 to the late Arthur and Elsie (Steffen) Traska. David attended school until the 8th grade, when he left so he could help work the family farm. He married Marion Weber on June 9, 1952 in Wausau. Marion preceded David in death on May 10, 2013. On January 25, 1952 David joined the United States Army and served his country honorably until December 9, 1953. For his service David was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal. David was honored to have participated in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, and he was a proud member of the VFW Post 10. After leaving the army, David worked for Wausau Iron Works, Murray’s Foundry, JI Case and several other job endeavors. He also owned and operated Traska Roofing for 25 years before passing it onto his son Jeff, who continues to run the business today. David was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting. He enjoyed taking drives, sharing stories, and sharing vegetables from his garden with his neighbors. Most important to David was his family. He looked forward to spending time with them whenever he could. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his children, Jeff (Kristi) and Julie (Mathew) Waldvogel; grandson, Michael (Brianne) Rice; great-grandchildren, Sterling, Rylie, Gracie, Bridge, and Brighem; step-grandchildren, Derick Woller and Chelsea (Chris) Baer; step-great-grandchildren, Jolene, Kenzie, Ava and Cash; his sister Caroline (Stuart) Kuehl; as well as his sister-in-law, Helen Traska. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marion; his sisters, Lorrinda Boelter, Adeline Prahl, Katherine Zahrt, Florence Wirsbinski, Myrtle Beck and Arline Salo; as well as his six brothers, Louie, Arnold, Raymond, Elroy, Clarence, and Dale.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Brainard Funeral Home-Wausau Chapel, 522 Adams Street. Visitation will take place from 3:00 pm until the time of services at the funeral home. Livestreaming of the service will be available for those who are unable to attend. There will be a Celebration of Life this Summer as well; please watch for an announcement on the Brainard Funeral Home website.