David J. O'Leary

HURLEY, Wis. - David J. O'Leary, 70, of Hurley, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014, in his home.

Dave was born May 19, 1944, in Ironwood, Mich., son of the late James and Ellen (Hill) O'Leary, attended Hurley schools, and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1962. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on Jan. 21, 1963, serving stateside during the Vietnam Era, and was honorably discharged on Dec. 30, 1965.

Following his discharge, Dave returned to the area and worked at Schult Mobile Homes in Ironwood for many years until Schult closed, then owned and operated the Dry Haus Tavern in Hurley for several years. He currently was employed by the Iron County Highway Department as a senior citizen bus driver for the Aging Unit of Iron County, and also maintained all of the parks in Iron County. He was a big Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badger football and basketball fan, and also loved local softball and played in the old-timers' league for many years. A quiet, friendly man who loved to visit with everyone, Dave will be dearly missed.

He was married to Diane Trolla of Hurley for 10 years.

Surviving are a son, Ryan (Lisa), Ironwood; daughter, Nikki (Paul) Samardich, Gile; granddaughter, Jenna (J.J.) Erickson, Ft. Knox Ky .; brother, Bob, Hurley; sister, Patti Sopko, California; brother-in-law, Lawrence Levra, Ironwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by four sisters, Joan Oman, Marilyn Alstead, Geri Levra and Kay Decker.

Out of respect for Dave's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Monday, Nov. 17, 2014, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Michael Hayden officiating.

A flag presentation ceremony will follow, accorded by members of the combined Hurley American Legion Post 58 and Iron County VFW Post 1580 Honor Guard.

Private interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley, in the spring.

Dave's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to his family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.