On January 21, 2023, heaven welcomed home our loving husband, father, brother and friend. Simultaneously every fish in the Fox River system breathed a deep sigh of relief. David Bradley Daggett age 82 of Omro passed away peacefully after a brief stay at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh.

Dave was the first of four siblings born to Archie and Irene Daggett in Omro in 1940. Dave’s youth was grounded in the values of hard work, outdoor adventure, and earning the right to a raucous good time. The physical labor at George Daggett and Sons molded a young man who would become one of the most remarkable athletes in the history of Omro High School. Dave Daggett’s exploits on the gridiron, diamond, and court left rivals humbled and defeated and ultimately caught the eye of the University of Wisconsin Football staff who extended a scholarship offer in 1958. However, the most important eye Dave caught was that of a raven-haired Irish beauty named Kathleen Morrissey. Their youthful courtship has now lasted 65 years.

Dave and Kathy’s marriage endured a long-distance relationship, terrible automobile choices, cold Wisconsin winters, Fox River floods, and too many good times to mention. During their 58-year marriage they eventually became snow birds and enjoyed many winters in Florida. After a football career at UW-Whitewater, Dave ultimately made his way to the Winnebago Mental Health Center (not as a patient).  At “Winnebago” David spent 34 years providing invaluable recreational therapy to hundreds of patients who benefitted from his loving care and joyful spirit.  He left a legacy of healing that changed lives.

Outside of his vocation, Dave spent his days, enjoying hunting, fishing, sports of every stripe and loving his family which grew to include his three children, Bradley, Beth and Daniel and 5 grandchildren. He terrorized the fish of the Fox River, the deer of Sawyer County, and opposing pitchers at the Omro softball field. The most important legacy Dave left us was a lifetime of merriment, countless jokes, gut-wrenching laughter, and a travelling circus of fun that left hundreds of tavern-keepers, friends, and strangers alike smiling all the way home.

Although Dave fancied himself a poet we’ll always think first of “Dollar for the First, Dollar for the Biggest”. We’ll miss him so much.

The people who are still laughing at dad’s bad jokes are his wife, Kathy; his children, Brad (Susan) Daggett of Chicago; Beth Roberts of Oshkosh; Dan (Renee) Daggett of Waterford; brothers, Drake (Diane) Daggett, Doug (Jan) Daggett; and sister, Vicky (Rod) Hanna. In addition, his jokes embarrass his 5 grandchildren, Dana and Lauren Daggett, Shepherd and Sam Daggett, and Brett Culp.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Irene Daggett.

A visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne on Sunday January 29, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Omro Food Pantry or the Daggett Family Scholarship Fund at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation.

If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.