----Source: From the Loyal, WI TRG; July 9, 2003; pg. 12.

Krultz, David J. (1951 - 2002)

Dave played ball in five different decades, the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s -- and was planning on playing more ball when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000, at age 49. His doctor did clear him to play after recovery from initial surgery, after all it was the old timers' league.

Dave was a director of the Softball Association. One of the things he did at the ball field was help pour cement for the dugouts. Dave was involved in the food stand expansion project and finding workers for the food stand for the Fourth of July tournament. He also took his turn in the food stand for many of the tournaments the Association sponsored.

He played/managed for many teams over the years. Playing as many as three nights a week most years. At the time of his illness, he played in Greenwood, Marshfield, and Medford. He was making plans to get in the over 50 league, which played at the state level. Dave played ball on teams in Willard, Greenwood, Loyal, Neillsville, Marshfield and Medford. He was picked up by several teams for tournament action.

Dave hit his first home run at the Greenwood diamond. He was also the winning run in the state Jaycee, tournament, which was played at the Greenwood diamond in 1979.

Dave umpired youth little league games for the Jaycees, the lions, and the county 4-H softball tournament. He was very proud to play on the team with his son, something he waited a very long time to do. He played ball with his daughter in the Willard 4-H's annual parents vs. kids' game. Dave was also a softball coach for Willard-Braun 4-H.

Dave received distinguished service awards from the Greenwood FFA, Clark County FFA Alumni and Clark County Holstein Association. He was also a parade marshal for Greenwood Dairy Days, and he and his wife, Deb, were named the Outstanding Young Farm Couple in 1985 by the state Jaycees.

Dave felt that nothing was better than a hot hitting streak and a cold beer later.