David Eric Elwing

David Eric Elwing, age 46, of Munising, died following a lengthy illness on Friday afternoon, February 23, 2024 at Medilodge in Munising.  Dave was born December 12, 1977 in Wauwatosa, WI to Robert “Bob” and Sandra “Sandy” (Swajanen) Elwing.  The family moved to Eben, where he attended Superior Central School for a short time, and then to Munising. He graduated from Munising High School in 1996 where he excelled at cross country running and track and field. People often commented that they “saw Dave out running again” when he was doing his daily 10-15 miles all over Munising.  Dave held many school records and is still a member of the record holding 3200-meter relay team.  His talents and hard work earned him a full running scholarship to the University of Toledo.

In his younger days, David would often be found at the “BA Court” playing a savage game of b-ball with his friends, baseball, or at the bowling alley knocking down pins, playing pool, or keeping score for leagues.  People marveled at his mathematical ability when he could add or multiply large sets of numbers in a matter of seconds.  Later, he used his mathematical and strategic geniuses to excel at Five-Card Stud Poker or any other game you were brave enough to play with him.

Health issues limited his athletic abilities, but he could still be found walking or riding his recumbent bike through the streets of Munising.  When he had braces on his legs, his mom would still make sure he was able to experience the “wind in his hair” feeling he got from running.  David loved to play board games, especially with Sandy.  They had intense (actually fierce) and competitive games of Scrabble.  David was strong and determined to the end. 

Dave is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law - Nicole and David Wachter of Appleton and Michelle and Josh Norsen of Appleton; stepdad – Jim Moulds of Munising; nephews Landen and Austin; nieces – Ivy and Lily; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Bob Elwing, and mother Sandy Moulds.  

A heartfelt “Thank You” goes out to the staff at Medilodge for taking such good care of him over the last five years when he could no longer care for himself.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm at Happy’s Place Bowling Alley in Munising, where family and friends can gather to share stories of happier times with Dave.  Story hour will start at 6.