Dave Velishek, of Prior Lake, passed away May 2, 2019 at the age of 75. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 6, 2019 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 10:45 AM. All services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and Dave’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers. Dave will be laid to rest at Credit River Cemetery with military honors provided by the Prior Lake Honor Guard.
On May 25, 1943, David Edward Velishek was born to Joe & Theresa (Hauer) Velishek. Dave was the fifth of 14 children, and he loved growing up on the family farm in Kilkenny with his siblings, LaVina, Mary Ann, Janet, Joe, Margie, Roger, Frank, Jerry, Wayne, Randy, Cindy, Susan & Alan. As a boy, Dave developed a love for animals, farming and fishing. He raised hogs through FFA and would later pass his passion for farming onto his own family.
As a teenager, Dave enlisted in the armed forces. He served in the United States Army. He was involved in the Bay of Pigs. Dave was honorably discharged in 1969. While in the Army Dave fell in love with Mary Kay Mullenmeister. They met at a local dance hall where they shared a polka. Dave & Mary Kay exchanged wedding vows on June 6, 1964 at Immaculate Conception.
Sadly, both of Dave’s parents died at a young age leaving behind small children. Dave & Mary Kay opened their home up to Dave’s siblings. They only had a small two-bedroom home, and it was very tight quarters, but there was always lots of love in their home. Dave saw life as an adventure. Nothing was ever a challenge for him, and he truly enjoyed every minute. Dave & Mary Kay adopted Dave’s sister, Cindy. Their family continued to grow as they were blessed with three children, Tim, Colleen & Kris.
In 1968, Dave & Mary Kay settled in Credit River to raise their family. Together they enjoyed family trips up North and to the National Parks. Dave taught his family the importance of caring for your land and animals. Throughout the years they had horses, cows, goats, sheep, rabbits & geese. Dave truly was a farmer at heart. He loved riding his John Deere and caring for his animals. Dave helped his grandkids start a chicken coop and grow a business raising hatchlings and later selling the hens. His granddaughter sold over 1,000 chickens with help from her grandpa.
Dave worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He began selling used cars as a part-time job in 1968. He quickly realized that he had found his calling. Dave opened Velishek Auto Sales in May of 1972. Dave’s philosophy was to be honest and treat his customers how he wanted to be treated. He worked hard to grow a trusted business, and it is still in operation today. Dave was a longtime member of Northland Independent Auto Dealers Association, and he was instrumental in putting the “Lemon Law” into effect. Dave was a wonderful advocate for his customers and colleagues in the auto industry.
In his spare time, Dave enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, collecting model cars, hunting and shopping. He bought cars, shoes, cowboy hats and anything that was a good deal! Dave & Mary Kay enjoyed going out to the Ranchero for dinner every Friday night. They also loved good music and dancing. Dave loved to travel and took memorable trips to Cozumel, Europe & Chimbote, and he celebrated his birthday in Branson every year.
Dave also spent a lot of time volunteering in the community. He was so generous with his time and talents. He was involved in the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, St. Michael School Board, VFW, Knights of Columbus and The Lions. Dave loved helping these groups build floats for the local parades and helped lead the Easter Bunny Breakfast for the Lions each year.
As a devout Catholic, Dave served his church faithfully. He helped with buildings & grounds, was on the parish council, acted as trustee and literally built the church. He made countless trips to Chimbote and started the small business work in that community. Dave truly had a servant’s heart.
The other passion in Dave’s life was his family. He was a dedicated husband, loving father and wonderful grandpa. Dave loved passing on his strong values and life lessons to the next generations. His legacy will now live on through his family and friends. Dave was outgoing and loved to have fun. He was honest, full of integrity and an inspiration to all.
He will be remembered by his wife, Mary Kay; children, Cindy (Bob) Michel, Tim (Lisa) Velishek, Colleen (Michael) Lannon, Kris (Ed) Ricklick; grandchildren, Matt (Amy) Michel (Nathan, Noah, Ella), Molly (Jay) Minar, Alex (Becca) Michel ( Carlea , Caden), Andy (Maggie) Michel (Brynn), Christian, Lydia and Annie Velishek, Jake (Linnea) Lannon (William), Charlie and Lucy Lannon, Marci, David, Mary and Daniel Ricklick ; siblings, LaVina Hasher , Joe (Shelley), Roger (Randee), Frank (Sharon), Jerry (Emily), Wayne (Tracy), and Randy (Wanda) Velishek , Susan Amadick & Alan (Roxie) Velishek; brothers-in-law Lowell Johnson and Tom Kelly. Dave was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Joe & Theresa Velishek; siblings, Mary Ann Johnson, Janet Dahlen & Margie Kelly.
