David Keith Peasley

Racine– David Keith Peasley, 57, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Thursday, October 29, 2009 of a massive heart attack. A lifetime resident, Dave was born in Racine on June 27, 1952 to Louis and Mary (nee: Ruetz) Peasley. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1970. On July 22, 1978 in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Debra Ann Karls. Dave was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. He was employed for the past 35 years by SC Johnson Wax as an expeditor. As an outstanding role model for our youth, Dave was a first-rate basketball and softball coach. For years, he has inspired girls of the Optimist League and young ladies of the Washington Park High School freshman teams, not only how to play the game.…but the importance of true sportsmanship. Dave also was involved as a coach and referee for Old Timers football in our community. When he wasn’t working or coaching, Dave enjoyed golfing and visiting Las Vegas. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, awesome father and extremely proud grandfather- who loved nothing more than being together with his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of over 31 years, Debbie; daughters, Christine Giron of Racine; Melissa (Christopher) Svendsen of Sparta; and Jennifer (Casey) Higgins of Racine; grandchildren, Trista Svendsen and Casey Higgins Jr.; mother, Mary Peasley; brothers and sisters, Jim (Connie) Peasley, Kathy (Hal) Rasmussen, Rich Peasley, Joe Peasley, Lou (Cindy) Peasley, Karen Neal, Linda (Jeff) Vavrin, Sue (Ray) Pruitt, Steve (Sue) Peasley and Julie (Mike Bloomer) Smith; father-in-law, William (Martha) Karls; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Linda Karls, Larry Karls, Mary (Rob) Becker, Pat Karls and Jay (Patti Brawner) Karls; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Louis Peasley; sister-in law, Karen Karls; and mother-in-law, Rosemarie Karls. Funeral services will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 7:00 pm with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 3-7 pm. In accordance with Dave’s wishes, cremation will follow the services. In honor of Dave, memorials to the American Heart Association, Racine Optimist, or Old Timers Athletics have been suggested and making a difference in a young person’s life is strongly encouraged.