David Hash

On October 5, 2023, David Hash, age 92, passed away from pancreatic cancer in the care of Theda Care Hospice and his loving family. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 24, 1931 to Viola and Glendon Hash, Sr.

David grew up in Waupun, Wisconsin with the athletic fields literally in his backyard and the high school gym across the street. It was perfect for a kid who lived and breathed sports. He graduated from Waupun High School in 1949 having lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Dave attended UW Madison on a baseball scholarship. He started at third base his junior and senior years and was a part of the “Circle Of Sluggers” who batted over 300. Dave joined the Army ROTC and after graduation was stationed in Newport News, Virginia. On August 7, 1954 he married Donna Keach. Shortly after, they moved to Heidelberg, Germany where Dave was stationed in the transportation corp. and where David Jr. was born. He was discharged in 1956, and he started his career as a physical education teacher and coach in Rudolph, Wisconsin. In 1957, he was hired by Kaukauna High School where he taught PE and, through the years, coached a variety of sports including head baseball coach for 10 years.

In 1959, he became the head coach of the boys volleyball team, a position he held until he stepped down in 1982. Dave’s career winning percentage was an incredible 81.5% from 1963-1982 his teams qualified for the state tournament 13 times, taking the title 8 times. Dave was a highly respected volleyball coach within the conference and across the state. To honor his coaching success, the Kaukauna High School Boys Volleyball program named their yearly tournament the Dave Hash Invitational, which he attended as often as he was able. Dave’s greatest legacy as a coach was the relationships he created with the members of his teams. You could give him a name and Dave could tell you if they played baseball or volleyball, the years they played, position they played, and their strengths as a player. They were forever a part of his life and spending time with them was one of his greatest joys.

Dave was an avid traveler. He would teach Driver’s Ed in June and July to finance the yearly family road trip. Later, he and Donna traveled extensively. His favorite destinations were New Orleans and Ireland. Dave used his love of photography to document their travels and family life events. Dave loved watching and attending sports events. He was a huge, enthusiastic fan of the Badgers and Brewers. He was a proud and supportive father. Dave had a special love for his grandkids.

Dave will be greatly missed by his daughter, Deb (Keith); grandkids: Sam and Hannah (all from Eau Claire); daughter-in-law, Paula Hash, and the entire Verhagen family.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; son, Dave Hash Jr.; and his brother and sister-in-law, Skip and Mary Hash.