David Gerard Bapst

David “Dave” Bapst November 1, 1966 – June 9, 2026 David “Dave” Bapst, beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, best friend, mechanic, troublemaker, and ladies’ man, passed away on June 9th, 2026 at the age of 59. 

Dave entered the world on November 1, 1966, as the fourth and final child born to Janet and Jerry. He was also Janet’s only son and, by all accounts, a surprise arrival. Dave quickly became the center of attention. Eight years younger than his closest sibling, he spent his life carrying the title of “the baby” of the family—a title his sisters would insist earned him more than a little extra coddling from their parents. From childhood, Dave was a force of nature. If there was trouble to find, he found it. If there was mischief to make, he made it. He was born a mechanic, taking off all the wheels from his Tonka trucks and little race cars and switching them all up, putting big wheels on little cars and little wheels on big trucks. He kept his parents on their toes and gave his sisters plenty of stories to tell for decades afterward. Dave grew up working for his father at Hydromatic, the family water softener business. His father dreamed that one day Dave would take over the company. But anyone who knew Dave knew that following someone else’s plan was never really his style. Like his father, he was stubborn, independent, and not afraid to say exactly what he thought—often with colorful language that could make a sailor blush. Instead, Dave followed his true passion: cars. He became a transmission mechanic and spent his life turning wrenches, solving problems, and helping anyone whose check engine light dared to come on. He was the best transmission mechanic around. Family members often joked that Dave could diagnose and fix a vehicle under conditions that would leave most mechanics unable to find their toolbox. In his younger years, Dave was known for having the best hair around. He never went anywhere without a comb tucked into his back pocket and was famous for spending more time getting ready than the girlfriend who happened to be waiting for him. Handsome, charming, and confident, Dave would probably appreciate us saying, he never lacked for admirers. Although he was technically an uncle, Dave was close enough in age to many of his nieces and nephews that he felt more like a big brother. He spent years teasing them, torturing them, teaching them questionable life lessons, and making them laugh. They loved him for it. Dave loved his family deeply. Even when life got busy and miles separated them, his bond with his family remained important to him. He once earned his CDL, but quit within days because being away from family wasn’t worth it. Few places brought Dave more happiness than Faun Lake. Weekend after weekend, year after year, he returned there. It wasn’t just a campsite; it was his happy place. Whether he was relaxing with family, enjoying a cold beer, telling stories, or simply being himself, Faun Lake was where Dave felt most at home. Dave also loved motorcycles, classic cars, Lincolns, Thunderbirds, his Chevy Suburban, and just about anything with an engine. More than anything, though, he loved living life on his own terms. He never pretended to be someone he wasn’t. He wasn’t interested in social etiquette, political correctness, or changing himself to fit anyone else’s expectations. What you saw was what you got. Sometimes that meant laughter. Sometimes that meant frustration. Often it meant both. Dave could be generous, hilarious, stubborn, infuriating, loyal, fiery-tempered, and incredibly entertaining—all sometimes within the same conversation. Dave had a beloved daughter, Ashley. Ashley was by his side at the end, a comfort and blessing during his final moments. Dave leaves behind his daughter Ashley; a granddaughter; his three sisters; a half-brother; his nieces and nephews, who loved him like a brother; countless friends and best friends, and enough stories to keep everyone laughing for generations. If Dave could leave us with one final message, it would be that life is meant to be lived fully, honestly, and on your own terms. A few months back in a conversation with his sister, he told her he had no regrets and that he has had a good life. Little did we realize that it was way too short for all of us, but we take comfort knowing that somewhere beyond this world, Dave has found a cold beer, a perfectly running engine, a beautiful woman, and a spot waiting for him at Faun Lake. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Jan Bapst.

Survived by his daughter Ashley Bapst. Siblings, Jerry (Nancy) Bapst, Bonnie Balmer, Gail (Jay) Emmons, Lynne (Michael) Reisman. Many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

No prior calling hours.

Interment and services were held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please forward any funds to the home of Lynne Reisman, these will be set aside for a scholarship foundation for students entering the mechanical field of Automotive repair in Dave's memory.

To sign Dave's online guestbook, scroll to the bottom of the page.