David E. Pace

David E. Pace, age 83, of Reedsburg, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026.

He was born on August 22, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Eugene and Louella (Shelby) Pace.

David often said that his life truly began the day he married the love of his life, Janey Sue Cheek. The couple was united in marriage on November 19, 1961, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

His strong work ethic was evident from an early age, beginning as a golf caddy while still in high school. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he worked in a variety of jobs, including selling Kirby vacuum cleaners, casting cultured marble, and working on a mink farm, experiences that helped shape the determination and resourcefulness that would define his life.

He found his true calling in the plastics industry when he joined Prent Corporation, where he spent 17 years helping transform the company from a small operation with only a few dozen employees into a thriving enterprise of more than 500 employees. During his tenure, he also played an important role in the development and growth of GOEX, the company’s extrusion division.

In 1986, guided by vision, perseverance, and an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Pace Industries. Starting with just five employees, he built the company into a highly successful plastic extrusion business employing more than 220 people before selling it to Primex Plastics in 1997. His passion for manufacturing continued as he later acquired MicroTechnologies, an injection molding company, and Cellox, an EPS foam molding business.

Beyond plastics, he pursued a wide range of business ventures and interests. He raised as many as 75 head of beef cattle and founded Autumnwood Stables, where he bred and raised 99 Rocky Mountain Horses. A crowning achievement of his work with the breed came when two of his horses, Diamonds Are Forever and Stone’s Thunder, earned Reserve Grand Champion honors at the Rocky Mountain International Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

His entrepreneurial endeavors also included ownership of the True Value Hardware store in downtown Reedsburg, where he later developed and built the current store location. He owned Star Charter, operating a charter aviation business with two twin-engine aircraft, and founded Pace Construction, through which he built numerous homes throughout the Reedsburg area. Throughout his life, he approached every venture with energy, optimism, and a relentless drive to create opportunities for others, leaving a lasting impact on his businesses, employees, and community.

David’s faith in his Lord was the cornerstone of his life. He was a faithful member of Walnut Hill Church in Baraboo for more than 20 years.  Above all else, David was a devoted family man.  He treasured time spent with his family, whether hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the activities his grandchildren loved.  Through every season of life, his wife, Janey, remained the center of his world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his chosen brother, Larry Rudin, his daughter, Autumn DeLynn Pace and his great-grandson, Everest Jeffrey.

David is survived by his wife, Janey; his children: Carolyn Chambers, Shelly (Michael) Kiefer, Blake (Teresa) Pace, Brandon (Ruffa) Pace, Christie (Shaun) Mislivecek; grandchildren: Shannon Kiefer, Alyssa (Zach) Jeffrey, and their daughter, Aspen, Mikala Kiefer, Tyler (Julie) Pace, Autumn (Bryce) Ties and son, Wyatt, Cole, Olivia and Shane Mislivecek; sister, Janice Baker along with numerous nieces, nephews, sisters and a brother on Janey’s side of the family, and many dear friends.

A visitation for David will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 

A small, private family service will be held Friday, August 28, 2026.