David Allen Svacina

“It was his smile. His smile drew me to him like a moth to a flame. He was the entire package. Smart as a whip. Handsome. Charming. Funny. And most important of all, Decent, Kind, and Caring.” (Darlene)

David Allen Svacina was born May 7th, 1947, in Rice Lake, WI, to Reynold and Florence Svacina. He graduated from Rice Lake H.S. (1965) and UW River Falls (1969).

During his senior year at River Falls, he fell madly in love with his future wife, Darlene Marie Gagnon, and they were married in the chapel on campus on October 25, 1969.

Dave’s first job was as a bank examiner for the State of Wisconsin, followed by district manager for H&R Block. He partnered with another tax professional and presented at seminars around the country. Dave recognized the need for a full time tax and accounting business in town, so he founded Wausau Tax and Accounting. Later, Dave worked at Peoples State Bank and was tasked with starting their Investment Center. He retired in 2007 as Executive Vice President. After retirement, he worked part-time at a community bank reviewing loans.

Dave was a graduate of Leadership Wausau, was a longtime member and office holder for the Wausau Noon Optimists, and served on the Executive Committee of Farm Progress Days. He was a member and president of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Valley Fair for 18 years. Dave also served on the Board of Directors for The Women’s Community and a local community bank.

Dave was a proud hunter and took a special trip with his son Dustin to northern Quebec and came home with two caribou. Later, he brought home an elk from New Mexico. Dave, Darlene, and Dustin harvested several deer from their land. He loved to fish and took trips to the Great Lakes and caught halibut in Alaska.

Dave was adept at sports, as a lap swimmer, tennis player, cyclist, hiker, and his favorite sport, golf. He was most proud of his 32 that he shot during league play at Rib Mountain Golf Course during league play on July 7, 1996.

Dave was the best host-father to countless exchange students from all over the world. We usually hosted young women and sometimes, on arrival, were fearful of the “man of the house.” Inevitably, they fell in love with his beautiful smile, and they ended up teasing each other mercilessly.

David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Darlene; son, Dustin Svacina, and partner Keli Kleinschmidt, and grandson, Gavin Svacina; daughter, Dixie Swartwood, and son-in-law, Gary Swartwood, Lake Zurich, IL, and granddaughters, Lucy and Delilah Swartwood. Three brothers preceded him in death: Leigh, Dale and Don Svacina.

Memorials in Dave's name may be directed to The Women's Community, 3200 Hilltop Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401.

Dave's Celebration of Life is planned for the summer of 2026. Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook and learn of updated service information at www.ascendweston.org.