David J. "Dave" Huelskamp

David J. “Dave” Huelskamp, 74, of rural Wapakoneta, devoted father and grandfather, left us on September 21, 2024. David was a very hard working, knowledgeable farmer that cared greatly for his livestock and agriculture. Born on January 14, 1950, Dave would wake up early every morning ready for a full day’s work on the farm, and enjoyed every minute of it. A happily married couple for 54 years, he leaves his wife Edie (Hemmert), and their 3 daughters; Tracy (Jay) Henschen, Shelly Fisher, and Lisa (Dean) Pitts, along with their 3 sons; Chad (Tonya) Huelskamp, Joe (Nicole) Huelskamp, and Matt (Carrie) Huelskamp. Something that Dave also cherished were his 20 grandchildren; Carter (Caileigh) Huelskamp; Macey (Darrin) Seger; Riley (Olivia) Huelskamp; Hayden, Madison, Morgan, Ross, Logan Henschen; Claire and Julia Fisher; Taylor and Tucker Huelskamp; Delana, Eli, and Audrey Pitts; Jayden and Madelynn Hefner; Harper, Maddox, and Dawson Huelskamp; and 1 great grandchild, Linley Huelskamp. Dave’s siblings, Jim (Rhonda) Huelskamp, Betty Huelskamp, Dennis (Ann) Huelskamp, Kathy (Fred) Sextro, Lois (Norm) Howell, and Jane (Jon) Uppenkamp. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Rosella (Vehorn) Huelskamp; a grandson, Jaxson Huelskamp; and siblings, Margie (Gerald) Keifer and Kenny Huelskamp. A dairy farmer for 50 years, you could always see Dave outside working in the fields, many times his children and grandchildren would be working alongside him as he proudly taught them how to be farmers, a craft he did so well and loved so dearly, combining in the fields, happily up to the day prior to his passing. Dave found great joy watching his children and grandchildren at sporting events or 4-H shows, you would often see Dave and Edie in the stands or sidelines being supportive and cheering them on. One of the several things that will be greatly missed will be his ever present smile and willingness to take time to talk and listen at every opportunity. A 1969 graduate of Botkins High School, Dave was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins, and the Auglaize County Farm Bureau. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thurs. Sept. 26, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins, Fr. Michael Willig officiating. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Botkins. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m., Wed. and 9-10 a.m. Thurs. at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of David, the family is requesting contributions for the establishment of the Botkins Education Foundation supporting agriculture education. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

David J. "Dave" Huelskamp

January 14, 1950 - September 21, 2024