David Pautz, 68, of Irma, Wisconsin, passed away at this home on June 22, 2026. David was born in Medford, Wisconsin, to Arlyn Pautz and Thelma Klein. He married Linda Schreiner in 1991.
Throughout his life David worked for the US Forest Service and on several farms, but his real passion was baking and cooking. He and Linda owned a bakery in Marathon City, and a secondhand store in Minnesota, then ran Dave’s Diner in Rib Lake for years.
In his retirement, David loved his chickens, fishing, his dogs and cats, working in the woods, and his garden.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; parents, Fred and Thelma Klein of Wausau; sisters, Cindy (Scott) Knoff of Medford, Dawn (Jeff) Hein of Medford, Christeen (Bill) Collins of Great Falls, Montana, Cheryl Kohler of Michigan, and Laurie (Ted) Dahl; brother Fred Klein Jr of Minneapolis; his children, Brenda of Merrill, WI, and Andrew Thums of Rib Lake; as well as his grandchildren, Isaac and Ahna.
David was preceded in death by his father Arlyn Pautz and brother Terry Pautz.
He will be remembered for his picking on his sisters and his world-famous potato salad.
Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given at MWCS.WS
