David Dudzinski

David J. “Dave” Dudzinski, age 56, of Elburn, IL, passed away May 2, 2020, at his home following a brave battle with cancer, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.
He was born January 23, 1964, in South Bend, IN, to proud parents, Henry and Joan (Guzicki) Dudzinski.
Dave grew up in the country surrounding South Bend, IN and attended local schools. He graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1982.
He furthered his education at Northwestern University where he played football as a left tackle. He protected the quarterback but not his heart. A swimmer by the name of Barbara Garland caught his eye and that was the game winner. Dave graduated from Northwestern in 1986.
On August 29, 1987, Dave and Barb were united in marriage in Northbrook, Barbara’s home town. They began their new life together in Geneva. In 1991, they moved to Elburn to continue raising their family of two boys and a girl.
Dave spent his working career mostly in sales. It didn’t matter where he worked, Dave made an incredible impression with the people he worked with.
Dave loved sports and coaching even more. He was always volunteering to coach teams, even before he had his own children. He became the president of Elburn Baseball and was an integral part of building beautiful baseball fields that created millions of memories for thousands of young baseball players. His passion for sports didn’t stop on the diamond. He loved all sports and helped to foster the love of the game to many children. He taught them to work hard and become a student of the game.
He didn’t live to work, he worked to live. His family was his focus and all he strived for went to benefit those he loved. He and Barb were “the best team” and “partners in crime”. Their adventures strengthened their love and devotion, keeping them close through thick and thin. That dedication, respect, and more than a little competitive spirit, were taught through actions as well as words to his children, who were his pride and joy. They were not only great students and great athletes, but even more, Dave was proud of who they were and what a tribute to the family they became. Dave was the biggest cheerleader and often changed schedules to be there for almost every game and contest. “LTS”, life’s too short, was a familiar refrain, and was repeated as a mantra throughout his years. At a nearby forest preserve was a lake that became a second home and where he would often “pop the boat in the lake” when he had an hour or two to spare, even into his last days. He had a passion for fishing and like his love for sports, Dave taught the next generation to love casting a line and bragging about the catch. Annual men’s fishing trips brought his “crew” together, but every year he would take the family, friends, neighbors and more up to a cabin by a lake in Minnesota. Dave wore the volunteer hat very well. He didn’t do it for recognition, it was the difference it made in other people’s lives that drove him to spread joy and to help his common man. Dave was built like a bear and his strength was on display all the time, especially when doing push-ups with kids on his back and dragging them in a sled during the winter. His heart was built like a teddy bear however, loving everyone with an intensity and tenderness like no other. Like Nike, “Just Do It” was his mantra. Even through his treatments, Dave’s fortitude and strength of spirit brought him through the toughest trials. Never one to complain, and never showing how much pain he might be in, he just shared his smile and walked another mile. He will forever be remembered for the way he truly lived his life to the fullest and how he “put the shine” on others, letting them take the spotlight. .
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, “Champion and Inspiration”, Barb ; three children: David Dudzinski Jr., Katy Dudzinski and Robbie Dudzinski; his mother, Joan Dudzinski; one brother Alan (April) Dudzinski; a sister-in-law, Rosie Dudzinski; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a countryside full of friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Henry Dudzinski and one brother Jim Dudzinski.
Private family services have been held with plans to celebrate with all family and friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dave’s name. Checks may be made to the “David J. Dudzinski Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com by using the “contact us” button.