David J. Cater

David J. Cater, 76, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2016, at Milestone Memory Care due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He was born in Eau Claire on March 22, 1940 to Frank H. and Esther A. (Fischer) Cater. Dave graduated from Memorial High School in 1958. He served in the US Army from 1963 to 1965 and the Army Reserves until 1969. Dave married Sandra Johnson on December 4, 1965. They raised three daughters, Kari, Cindy, and Erin. Dave and Sandy enjoyed 50 years of marriage. Dave worked at K-Mart Foods, Randall Foods, and retired from Mega Foods in 2009. He was a member of Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Elk Mound, WI. In 1974, Dave helped form the Indianhead Bassmasters Club. He enjoyed fishing tournaments until his health declined. He made many lifelong friendships during this time. He was the happiest when surrounded by his family, especially at the cabin near Minong, WI. He was an avid fisherman and bow hunter. Dave and Sandy enjoyed many years of fishing, bow hunting and snowmobiling together. Dave was a great teacher and mentor. He shared his love of nature and respect for wildlife with everyone. He especially loved to share this interest with his grandchildren, teaching them to hunt and fish. Dave was a story teller. He loved to tell stories, all true – some possibly embellished, but told them with enthusiasm to anyone who would listen. He also enjoyed hearing stories from fellow hunters and fishermen. Dave was self-taught in the art of taxidermy which helped others preserve their stories for generations. His mentorship and stories will be missed by many. Dave is survived by his wife, Sandy; his daughters, Kari (Neil) Bowe and their children: Nigel, Conner and Molly of Chippewa Falls; Cindy (Karl) Pearson-Cater and their children: Noah, Sam and Milo of Minneapolis, MN; Erin (Kyle) Craker and their children: Danny and Violet of Bruce, WI; brother, Ron Cater of Altoona, WI; sister, Karen (Vern) Nelson of Bushnell, FL; brother-in-law, Harold Johnson of Eau Claire, WI; sister-in-law, Jean (Jim) Turner of Cameron, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Arlene Hagen; and nephews, Dale Nelson and Leroy Cater. Dave’s family would like to thank Kelly and her staff at Milestone Memory Care for their gentle guidance, compassion, and support through this journey. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 6118 County Highway M, with Pastor Hal Schroetter officiating. A Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 19, 2016, at the West Chapel location of Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn, and again one hour prior to services at the church. Inurnment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery.

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery
5750 Old Town Hall Road
Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Friday, August 19 2016
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel
1405 North Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703