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David Bradley Daggett

04/26/1940 - 01/21/2023
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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.

Mike Lillie wrote on January 29, 2023
My condolences to Kathy, children and extended family..... having grown up in Omro, Dave was a familiar figure. I watched him play sports and later competed against in numerous O.A.A. sponsored sports, an association we both were members of. We then, for years, umpired both in Omro and the local area for softball tournaments. A good time was always assured. I will never forget Dave's best line when manning the ?? at O.A.A. games..... " that last play was "indicative" of the softball played here in Omro." May the great memories and the million smiles be what you take forward..... May Dave rest in peace

John & Sheri (Tritt) Egan wrote on January 28, 2023
Our deepest condolences...thoughts and prayers for the entire family. Such a beautifully written obituary. Cherish the memories and laughter he brought to your family. God bless!

Jeanie Klinker wrote on January 24, 2023
He has finished the race and God is proud of him as is his family and friends. Sweet peace to the whole Daggett family. Keep those memories! Loved the obit!

Mark R. Weisensel wrote on January 23, 2023
Dear Beth and family. The tribute you posted on Facebook is so moving! He was a stellar man and he is now getting his due reward for all of those he helped on this Earth! He will be missed by all he knew here on Earth! I hope you all can find peace and know he is now out of pain and watching over you all.

Denise and Water Nakajima wrote on January 23, 2023
That was the most fun obituary I have ever read! I can’t believe I just said that. I hope the fish in the Fox River remember the One that got away. Our most sincere condolences are sent to the Daggett family. Love youKathy. Denise and Water

Steve Wolff wrote on January 22, 2023
A real man's man, great story teller, sportsman, and most of all a good person. RIP Dave you'll surely be missed by all who knew you, God Speed, Dave.

Kathy and family, wrote on January 22, 2023
Thinking of you at this time of loss. Our hearts are heavy with sadness. We are sorry we are so far away at this time. Trust that the Island of Anguilla prayers are stormin' the heavens for you for comfort, strength and peace of heart and soul. Love, Bill and Marlene Mielke Field

Phil Lux wrote on January 22, 2023
Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to The Entire Family. ??????