David “Dave” Glenn Thibado, age 78, of Knapp, WI, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2024, at his home. He was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin, on July 3rd, 1946, to Wayne Sr and Doris (Edwards) Thibado. Dave grew up on the family farm and graduated from high school in Menomonie, WI, in 1964.
Dave joined the Air Force when he was 19, serving in Vietnam from 1966-67 with the 820th Red Horse in Tuy Hoa, winning medals and commendations. He was honorably discharged after 4 years of service. After returning home, Dave married Cindy Volstad on July 26th, 1969, in Baldwin, WI. They would have celebrated 55 years together, but she passed away July 3rd, 2024. They were blessed with 2 children, Michelle and Paul.
Dave worked at many jobs, some of which were, Presto in Eau Claire and dairy department manager for the Durand Farmers Union. He moved to Phoenix in 1982 and worked at installing tile and remodeling until he got a job with the Street Department, working his way up to Supervisor during his years there. He obtained his BS in Administration from Rio Salado College.
After retiring, Dave and Cindy spent 3 months at Rocky Point, MX camping- enjoying the ocean, kayaking with dolphins, making new friends and memories and enjoying a few ”Cindaritas”. They traveled back and settled into the Knapp community, but Dave couldn’t sit still. He served on the Knapp town board, and also at the food pantry ordering supplies, organizing food deliveries, setting up, and helping out in anyway needed. Dave and Cindy enjoyed camping all over the US, their multiple pug babies and the wildlife around the yard. He was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, carpenter and gardener. Cindy and Dave canned or froze many of the fruits and vegetables from their garden. He could do pretty much anything he set his mind to.
David is survived by daughter, Michelle Henderson of Tennessee, son, Paul of Arizona; two granddaughters, Stacy and Leah; two grandsons, Jacob and David; and one great granddaughter, Isabella. He is further survived by his two brothers, Wayne Jr (Sue), Kenneth (Patty); two sisters, Lynda (Don) and Dawn (Gerry); two sisters in-law-Roberta “Bobbie” Volstad and Tammy (Tom) Giese. Dave and Cindy had a lot of fun with Tammy and Tom over the years. We can’t forget his best friend and companion - Princess. She ran the show and enjoyed the Pugmobile rides around town.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Doris, Eva Jean, and Carol, nephew Joe, and brothers-in-law “Doc” and Avery.
There will be no service per his wishes. If you would like to donate to a cause in his name, he would appreciate the humane society or the Knapp food shelter. At a later date, in warmer weather, we will have an honor guard service.
