David E. Mentink

David “Dave” Mentink, 87, passed away peacefully with family by his side, in Appleton on December 29, 2025.

Dave was born in Neenah, on August 16, 1938, the son of the late Charles and Linda (Dehn) Mentink. He graduated from Neenah High School in 1956.

On November 15, 1958, Dave married the love of his life, Donna Friesen, where they made their home in Menasha for 40 years, raising four daughters and building a life centered on faith, family and service. Their 60‑year marriage was a testament to devotion, partnership and commitment to his family. Dave was a deeply devoted father who was always present for his daughters. As a family they enjoyed their summers swimming in their pool, visiting extended family, traveling, camping and fishing.

Dave proudly served his country for six years with the Wisconsin National Guard, Company E, 127th Infantry, Red Arrow 32nd Division. He spent one year of active duty stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served as a Squad Leader.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Dave was employed with Banta Company from 1957 until his retirement in 1999. Over his 42‑year career, he worked at the Curtis Reed and Midway plants as a Bindery Supervisor and, beginning in 1984, served as Facility Manager at the Fulfillment Distribution Facility on Brighton Beach Road in Menasha.

Dave was a faithful member of Whiting Community Baptist Church for 60 years. During that time, he served on numerous committees, including the opening of The Learning Tree preschool, building and properties, Tree Farm Club and the Velte committee. He cherished his time volunteering at Camp Tamarack as a counselor and youth mentor. Dave took great pride in maintaining the Tree Farm property and spent many weekends camping there with family, often giving tractor rides through the wooded trails.

After retiring in 1999, they relocated to Wautoma where they enjoyed nature, gardening, cooking (which includes his famous chili), and family visiting until Donna’s passing in 2019.

Dave will be remembered for his kindness, patience, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. He cherished time with family and friends, and found his greatest joy in time spent with those he loved.

Dave took immense joy in his grandchildren’s accomplishments, always offering his warm smile, words of encouragement and ongoing support. He made sure each grandchild felt cherished and loved. He enjoyed every visit, phone/video call no matter how long or short, and he enjoyed listening more than speaking. Dave cherished these times with happiness and a full heart knowing his grandchildren will never forget his love, quiet wisdom and support that will continue to guide them as they carry his memory in their hearts forever.

Dave is survived by his four daughters: Tami (John) Schmidt of Wautoma; Kim (Henry) Rose of Appleton; Shari (John) Fischer of Darboy; and Kris (Al) Boelter of Waupaca.

He is further survived by his grandchildren: Joshua (Minjung) Rose, Heather (Brad) Riley, Jeremy (Jessica) Rose, Nick (Maggie) Fischer, Aaron (Niheera) Schmidt, Zach Schmidt (fiancée Jenna Buckel), Jessica (John) Ntambi, and Hannah (Mitch) Kussow.

His great‑grandchildren include: Aubree, Caleb, Ivory, Mason, Micah, Lucky, Flynn, Ozzy, Isla and Nash.

Dave is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Hunsicker and Charlotte Clark, and sister‑in‑law Tootie Friesen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Donna; his brother Harold and brother and sisters-in-law.

A brief service for Dave will be held at 5PM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha. Visitation will be on Thursday at the Chapel from 3:30PM until the time of the service. Dave will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Donna at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Neenah, WI.