David Frank Pogorzelski's Obituary
Racine – David Frank Pogorzelski, 86, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at his residence.
Dave was born to the late Henry and Lucy (nee Kedzierski) Pogorzelski in Milwaukee, WI, on May 7, 1938. Dave lived there with his family until he was in middle school. He graduated from Park High School in 1956.
Dave worked at Western Publishing where he met his wife, Delores Sansale. They married on August 29, 1960, on Delores’ sister’s farm, Shirley Tode, in Flint, MI. Dave and Delores were happily married for 57 years. They had two children: son, Stephen, and daughter, Cindy and raised their family in Racine. Dave eventually left Western Publishing and went to work for his father at their family business, Kamm Glass. He worked there with his brothers until he retired in 1996.
Dave was very athletic and loved to compete. He won many championships playing softball in the Racine City League. He played for many years and then coached for DeMark’s Bar. He was well known throughout the Tavern League and still remembered today, especially by the guys at the V.F.W.
Throughout his retirement, Dave continued competing. He golfed in the Racine Men’s League at Washington Park and bowled in the Men’s Senior League in Racine always going after another championship. Retelling his stories of victory was what he loved the most.
Dave was also an animal advocate and lover of dogs. He and his wife, Dee, rescued many dogs through the years. It was important to them both and they were generous supporters of the Racine Humane Society.
Dave will be deeply missed by his son, Steve Pogorzelski (Jackie Poplawski); sister, Diane Ostrander (Pogorzelski); many nieces and nephews: Deenie, Debbie, Lani, Pam, Lisa, Lynn, Tom, Mark, Don, Dan, Joe, Julie, and Ann.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Pogorzelski (Sansle); daughter, Cindy Pogorzelski; brothers: Bob Pogorzelski and Don Pogorzelski.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Dave will be reunited with his wife and daughter at Holy Cross Cemetery – Highway 32 in Racine. Memorials in Dave’s name may be directed to the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus (8900 16th St, Mt Pleasant, WI 53177 or https://www.wihumane.org/contact/racine-campus).
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dave’s niece, Debbie Carlson, and Dave’s sister, Diane Ostrander, for their dedicated and unwavering support for Dave.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?