David was born on April 6, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Vernon and Adele Erbstoeszer. His childhood was spent in Milwaukee and then various lakes in Lake Country including Oconomowoc Lake and Nashotah Lake. He graduated from Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin a boarding high school. Then he moved to Northfield, Minnesota where he attended Carleton College. He then went on to join the U.S. Navy where he was stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois and Norfolk, Virginia. During his time in the U.S. Navy he worked on electronic equipment and spent all of his time on ships in the Mediterranean Sea. After his time in the U.S. Navy, David moved to Madison, Wisconsin where he finished his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He obtained a degree in Liberal Arts and European History. Later in life, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he studied Economics. David worked many years as a computer programmer at Quad Graphics by day and professor by night. His enthusiasm for teaching lead him to obtain his Masters degree in Information Systems and Management at the University of Phoenix. He then worked as a full time professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College. David also designed software for many years at various companies.

David had a love for music. During his early adult years, he would sing and play his guitar at various nightclubs in Madison. Once he was married and had children, he was very involved in his church choir. He also sang and played his guitar at two of his daughters weddings. David was also very involved with the American Legion, post 71 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. His family has many memories of watching him march in the local parades. David had a love for boating which lead him to Pewaukee Lake where he raised his family. Once his children moved out, he and Karen moved down to the third ward in Milwaukee where they kept boats on the Milwaukee River and Mckinley Marina. He was a long time member of The South Shore Yacht Club, Milwaukee Harbor Yacht Club and Milwaukee Athletic Club. David and Karen enjoyed many boating trips exploring the Great Lakes.

David and Karen were married on September 14, 1985. David is survived by his loving wife, Karen Erbstoeszer, his children Tiffany (James) Gaumond, Kelly (Lawrence) Davis, Jessi Thomas, and David Erbstoeszer II. He is also survived by his granddaughters Abbie and Allie Thomas, Cassidy and Elayna Davis, and Olive Phetteplace. David is proceeded in death by his daughter, Lora Erbstoeszer and both of his parents, Vernon and Adele Erbstoeszer.

Funeral services for David will be held Saturday August 31st, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church Pewaukee  W240 N3103 Pewaukee Road.  The visitation will begin at 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Military Honors will follow at church. Burial services will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Cemetery.