Velie, Sr., David A.David A. Velie, Sr., age 80, of Crandon, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2017 at Cherry Meadows in Appleton surrounded by his loving family.Dave was born on October 18, 1936 in Appleton to the late Arnold and Bernice (Miller) Velie. On October 19, 1957 Dave was married to Donna Rusch, the love of his life. They would have celebrated their 60th year of marriage this October.Dave proudly served his country in the United States Naval Reserves from 1954 - 1962.Dave was a proud 55 year member of the Operating Engineers Local 139. He retired in 1994 from Azco-Hennes following a rewarding career as a crane operator and dispatcher. With retirement, Dave and Donna were able to move to the north woods, their little piece of Heaven in Crandon.As an active member of the local snowmobile club, The Lumberjack Memorial Trails, since his retirement, Dave was honored to serve as its President since 2000. Dave spent countless hours volunteering his time at meetings and brushing and grooming trails for all to enjoy. A faithful member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Crandon, Dave not only served as an usher and church council member, he was privileged to be able to contribute his vast skill set to help build the church. Neighbors, friends and complete strangers could always count on him for his expert knowledge and ability to fix and fabricate most anything. Most important to Dave was time spent with his family.Dave is survived by his one true love and best friend, Donna; his three children of whom he was very proud: Debbie Suehring (special friend, Mike Link), David "Ziffle" (Amy), Jr. and Duane (special friend, Joyce); four grandchildren: David Suehring (special friend, Nicole), Matthew (Nicole) Suehring, Adam (special friend, Sara), and Aaron Velie; one great-grandson: Leo Suehring, three brothers: Ronald (Alice) Velie, Jerry (Barb) Velie and Terry Velie; and one sister-in-law: Betty Nimmer. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law: Harold and Irma Rusch; daughter-in-law, Kendall Velie; brother-in-law: Wes Nimmer; brother and sister-in-law: Melvin and Dolores Rusch.The funeral service will be held 7:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 North Richmond Street, in Appleton on Monday, March 27, 2017, with the Reverend Neil R. Varnum officiating. Dave's family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be in the Star of Hope Mausoleum, Appleton.A memorial gathering and service will also be held in Crandon at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 501 N. Park Ave, on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.The family would like to thank the staff at Cherry Meadows for their compassionate care for Dave during his final days.Gramps, if love alone could have kept you with us, you would never be gone. We are at peace knowing you are with the Lord and rejoicing with your loved ones who passed before you. We love you and will see you again.