(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
David Layne Gregorski, 70, passed away exactly as he would have wanted… surrounded by his family, laughing and loving.
The son of the late Virginia Schultz Gregorski and the late Ronald Gregorski, David grew up an only child, and an only grandchild. He spent a great deal of time with his grandparents and beloved aunt. As such, he was the apple of everyone’s eye. He was educated in the schools of Kenosha, including Harvey and Grant Elementary and Washington Junior High, where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. It was during his years at Washington that he joined a band and started playing drums. Years later, he would still talk about the 3D band. Music was an important part of his life that carried him through even the toughest of times. He was also a proud member of the Bradford High School Class of 1973.
After graduation, he went on to barber school at Milwaukee Area Technical College. As a young man, he apprenticed at Shear Magic in Burlington, Wisconsin. He spent time bowling, coaching pony league baseball, and enjoying concerts. In the early 80s, he met Margaret “Peggy” Wilk at the Park View Tavern. In his final days, David was asked what Peggy was like when they met. He described her as “beautiful” with a humble smile on his face. He knew how lucky he was to have his “Peg-a-la” by his side. The two were married on November 25, 1983. They shared an incredible 42 years of marriage, and raised two daughters together. Laura, or as Dave referred to her as Tex, and Kathleen, or Katie-kins, were his trusty side-kicks on Thursday adventures and family vacations. They shared loyalty, movie quotes, and a warped sense of humor. Dave could not have been a more blessed man, and he would tell you so.
One of David’s greatest accomplishments was being a master barber. He established The Barber Pole – his own small business – in 1981. The shop had various locations over the years, including on Washington Road, next to Aiello’s Florist on 52nd Street, and later in a building that David and Peggy owned on 58th Steet in downtown Kenosha. Being around people, sharing conversations and an occasional “cold one” were the highlights of his career. The barber shop wasn’t just a place to get your hair cut – it was an experience! His work was cut short due to spinal injuries – but a select few still visited the Gregorski home for private haircut services in the basement.
After poor health forced him to retire, Dave took comfort in visits from friends, his diverse music appreciation, and movies. He loved to sit on the deck for cookouts and to visit with neighbors. It was not unusual for those close to him to get a phone call from him singing or suggesting a tune to listen to, a “short” chat about the old neighborhood, or even a simple greeting on a Steely Dan Friday. When he was still able to “creep around”, as he would say, he could easily be spotted driving just above the speed limit in his Pole-plated Mercedes with the music up loud enough for everyone to enjoy. He could always be found in Green and Gold on football Sunday cheering for the Pack. Additionally, he enjoyed playing cards, scratching lottery tickets, and spending time with his family. Throwing a ball indoors was an approved activity solely for Dave and his young buddies Aiden and Noah, or his grand pups!
His life was not perfect but it was filled with love and laughter, concerts, movies, Sox games, trips to the dog track, visits to Minocqua, and wonderful people. Dave was a people person through and through. He treasured his friendships with classmates, neighbors, customers, his wife’s friends and colleagues, and his daughters’ friends too. Poppa G was always popular with the kids. (Unless it was after dark circa 1995 and he was chasing the crew around in a Bobo mask!) Dave knew no strangers.
David is survived by his faithful wife and companion, Peggy, his beloved Aunt Jean Schultz, daughter Laura and son-in-law Josh Rains, daughter Katie and son-in-law Peter Gehrig, step-grandson Noah Rains, grandpups Marla, Simon, and Gatlin, sister-in-law Kathy (Ron Otto), and many dear friends and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his maternal Grandparents John and Jesse Schultz, paternal Grandparents Laura Rogers and Leo Gregorski, in-laws Harry and Phyliss Wilk, mother Virginia Gregorski, father Ron Gregorski, brother-in-law Jack Wilk, and good friend Jim Rudy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to the Kenosha Public Museums.
David did not want a formal funeral service. Instead, his family will host a celebration of life on Sunday, February 1 from 1:00 – 3:00p.m. at the Kenosha Yacht Club. Come as you are – in your favorite band t-shirt, football gear, or Hawaiian shirt. Dave would want you to be comfortable. Bring your favorite stories about David, Big Dave, Clucky, The Pole, Captain… he always did love a good nick name!! Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to raising a glass to a man who was larger than life!
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Jim Matzur says:
So Sorry Peggy , Laura and Katie for your loss. I certainly missed his shop, but not as much as the special attention and music getting haircuts in the basement. God speed my friend.
Ron and Jackie Benhoff says:
A very sad day for all who knew The Pole however he is now pain free which he has not been for quite some time. Too many funny stories to list from days at Johnnies Avenue Dairy Store to his basement to the Barber Pole shop, to riding in the RIV to days at Comiskey. Lots of tales, some not to be told! You will be greatly missed my friend. Until we meet again. Our prayers go out to Peggy, Laura, Katie, and the rest of the extended family.
Lori Hartwig says:
A wonderful friend to have. We go back to Harvey School. He always made me laugh. I hadn’t seen him for years after graduating from High School. Oh I would run into him on occasions and no matter how he was feeling, he always made you feel good. No one like him! I moved to Horicon for 18 years. When we moved back I went to visit him. My regret is not seeing him more!
We kept in touch through texts. He knew my brothers well as they were in different bands. He’d bring up how good of drummer Larry was. I can’t believe he’s gone!!! I am so so sorry!!!! He was full of love. His family was everything to him!! An all around good guy!!! I could go on but I’ll stop now.
((((((Hugs)))))
JoAnne Darula says:
So sorry for your loss Peggy. Still remember when he lived on 29th Street. One memory of mine is in the summer we would go to his house and enjoy his slip and slide. Best fun ever.
Sharon Krewson says:
You are in my thoughts and prayers Peggy and family! Was a beloved man. 😢💔🙏
Shari
Alyssa W says:
You are in my prayers Peggy. My deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. Sending you my love.
Andy Selovich says:
I met Dave as a teenager, my face still hurts to this day from laughing being around him. A character is an understatement, he was larger than life outgoing fun to be with. My thoughts and prayers for Peggy and girls. Rest in peace Pole.
Raymond Duczak says:
I met Dave in the mid 70s through Mark Onosko. He cut my hair for many years. Didnt know any place you could enjoy a beer after with great conversation. He was always smiling and enjoying great music. I lost touch when we moved to salem . A man that surely made a mark in this world. I would of loved to attend the gathering but unfortunately we will be out of town. I will toast him that day. To the Pole he was larger then life. Rest in peace my friend. Ray and Kim Duczak
Andy Selovich says:
I met Dave as a teenager and my face still hurts from laughing while with him. A character is an understatement he was bigger than life. My thoughts and prayers for Peggy and girls. Rest in peace Pole.
Beth Marano says:
So sorry for your loss. I have many memories of Dave walking down the block to see what my brother Guy was up to. Many times if my Dad, Guido was home he would sit in the kitchen and have a cigar and visit with my Dad. I always thought that was so nice. RIP Dave
Kim Leipzig Plovanich says:
Prayers for all of you, so sorry to hear. He certainly knew how to have fun and endless friends and family helped him enjoy life. My love to you all.
Jane Root says:
Oh, Crazy Dave. I remember that night at the Park View, like it was yesterday. You & Peg began your love story. ♥️
If Heaven is as I imagine, there will be a Chet’s Sports Bar, and I’ll meet you by the pool table. Love, Crazy Janie
Hugs to you and your family, Peggy.
Xoxo
Patti PhillipSmith-Ashe says:
Dear Peggy & the girls.
Sending our Deepest Sympathy to you & ur family.
I’m just reading this evening & wondering why I didn’t hear bk from him.
He will be greatly missed fr all that knew & Loved this golly guy. I always remember the good old days of those guys laughing & playing there music at our hm growing up*
May he Rest I n peace*
Sincerely, Patti Phillip Smith-Ashe & Laura
Pacetti
Colette (Ruffolo) Kraeuter says:
I knew David since Washington Jr high. While I didn’t know him well, we all knew him as bigger than life even then. Always having fun and taking time to greet anyone who came in his path. I’m so very sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family 🙏♥️
Michael A Aceto says:
I met David about 50+ years ago and became very good friends throughout the years. David and I hit it right off back in ‘Printing Class”. We shared the same desk for setting up Type for Print. We’d tell some really funny and now (probably too Racey to tell out loud) jokes. But back in the early 70’s we never thought of it as Racey, just some great sounding jabs to cut-up on each other. Then later I found out he played drums. That was great! I played guitar and we’d just jam.
I ran a business for many years, and he’d always call me up at my office “Oteca Electronics” or at home wanting something done.
I’ve always enjoyed our time as friends. He will missed dearly.
Keep Jamming brother
Michael Aceto (Oteca)
“Cooks”
Richard Jackl says:
On behalf of the entire Jackl family our most sincere condolences. Dave was a good friend of my late brother “Jake”. I would see Dave often when I was working at Mike Bjorns Clothing. God Speed Pole