David Harold Staerkel "Boots" born January 12th, 1934 passed away on Wednesday October 5th, 2022 at Aurora Hospital in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. During his transition from life to death he was surrounded by his loving wife and children.

At a young age, Boots joined the U.S. Navy Reserves to board the same ship as his brother Bruce but was never called to active duty. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1952 and later received his state certification to become a licensed electrician.

Boots was known as a hard worker. In his adolescent years he held numerous jobs so that he could help support his family. At age 18 he started working at Kimberly Clark Badger-Globe and retired in 1982 after 40 years of service.

Boots cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, friends and extended family. He created lasting memories with them while hunting, fishing, boating, four-wheeling, trap shooting, camping and vacationing. Together with his wife, Shirley, his proudest accomplishment was creating a beautiful, welcoming and sacred recreational land "park" for our family, of which to gather and experience the joys of life and to last for generations to come.

Boots is preceded in death by his father, Felix Staerkel, mother, Harriet (Fero); brother, Bruce Staerkel; and sisters, Ellen Staerkel and Geraldine Dobbratz. He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Peters), of 69 years; his sons, David L. Staerkel and Larry Staerkel; his daughters, Cynthia (Gene) Mezzano and Debra (Alan) Longworth; his 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren; his brother, Philip Staerkel; his sisters, June Gordon, Mary Staerkel, Jeannie (Bill) Vincent and Nancy Veith; and many nieces and nephews.

No funeral services will be held, but a celebration of life will be announced.