Age 81 of Portage passed away on Tuesday afternoon, April 15, 2025. David was born in Milwaukee, WI, on February 12, 1944, the son of George Henry and Annis Henrietta (Veenendaal) Dietrich. George passed in World War II, when Dave was very young and his mother married Theodore Elhart. Ted was the only dad David ever knew. He was married to Rose Ann Kessenich who survives him. David worked at Charles River Labs in Portage for many years, where he was very involved in the humane care of the animals. David proudly served his nation in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam conflict. He and Rose loved to travel both here and internationally. They also enjoyed going to concerts. He was passionate about art. David was a fantastic husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Besides his wife, David is survived by his children, Julie (David) Tomer, Andrew (Joslyn) Elhart; grandchildren, Savanah Ratliff, Jack Tomer, Elysa Elhart, Hanna Tomer, Hudson Elhart, Haven Elhart; great granddaughter, Lily Ratliff; siblings, Carrie (Peter) Kelbe, Lynn Fry, Timothy Elhart; several nieces and nephews; and many, many friends. David was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Elhart.