Dave Sticha

David Joseph Sticha, age 67, of New Prague passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, September 8, 2024 after fighting complications related to cancer. He was born July 27, 1957 in New Prague to Joseph and Lillian (Rezac) Sticha. Dave graduated from New Prague High School in 1975 followed by getting a degree at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Dave married his high school sweetheart, Jean Tuma on May 24, 1980. They shared 44 years together raising four children and building several successful businesses.

Dave and Jean took over the Sticha family farm milking cows. The dairy cows were sold in 1986 when Dave took his enjoyment for horticulture to begin his own business; D&J Landscaping. Dave had a passion and talent for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. With over 45 years in the industry, many people have been touched by his gift of creativity. In 1994, in partnership with others, the couple turned the family farm into an 18 hole golf course. This incredible endeavor of building CreeksBend Golf Course turned old farmland into a beautiful country space appreciated by many. Cedar Brook Garden Center became the couple’s plan for “semi-retirement” as the business started small and grew it into the success that it is today. Dave devoted a lot of himself into LilyJoe Gardens which is the beautiful public garden space many have enjoyed.

While the hard work ethic and various business developments are impressive enough, nothing comes close to the genuine heart of this incredible man. Dave’s personality shined as someone everyone loved being in relationship with. Whether life-long friends, landscaping clients, or one of the many nurses he met through his health journey, people were drawn to Dave. They could see immediately how he cared for others. People would describe him as the kindest, sweetest, most generous man. He was a man of the truest generosity. When it came to his own family, there were no limits to what he would do to help them out. Building and remodeling homes was a skill he used to benefit many. He gave of his time and talent with landscaping projects for the community and area churches. When large themed events were to take place, everyone knew who to call. Dave’s creativity stood out when making elaborate decorations for the high school Senior Send-off and Post-Prom parties. He also contributed to St. Wenceslaus’ Gala decorations. Even after all of their children graduated from the schools, parents still wanted Dave’s creative help!

Dave was a long-time blood and platelet donor. When the cancer diagnosis took that from him, his passion changed to inspire others to donate too. His compassion for others was so great, he even donated a kidney to a stranger.

Dave and Jean were members of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church while raising their family. They were active members of the parish, the highlight of which being leaders of all their childrens’ Youth Alive classes through all of their high school years. FaithPoint became home for them later in life, where more acts of service were performed and relationships were created.

Dave was a man of so many hobbies. Back in his farming days, D&Js Tug-of-War was formed from a group of area friends and family. The club is still around today and competes both nationally and internationally. His prime passion was working with his hands and creating things. The family’s log cabin was something he poured his heart into. He spent so much time outdoors in his orchard, pond, prairie, garden or working on numerous creative projects around the home creating the most beautiful sanctuary. He would often be spotted bouncing around on his golf cart, popping from one project to the next, with his beloved dog Coco at his side. Dave also enjoyed various hunting and fishing trips with family. In the winter months he enjoyed time in his shed doing woodworking projects or building topiaries. His prime joy came from spending time with family.

While always a man of strong faith, he grew even closer to God through his health journey. Attending mass when he was well, praying the rosary in the mornings with his loving wife, and listening to uplifting Christian music all helped him remain spiritually strong through his final days.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Jean Sticha; daughter Tiffany (Patrick) Clark, Ryan (Brooke) Sticha, Brent (Shannon) Sticha, Katelyn (Donovan) Sticha; grandkids Savannah, Olivia, Henry, Oliver, Ellie, and Emil; siblings Karen Tupy, Joe (Carol) Sticha, Joanie (Clarance) Tupy, Judy (Pete) Highum, Gary Sticha, brother-in-laws Ray (Lois) Tuma, Jack (Dorothy) Tuma, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Lillian Sticha, brother-in-law Fritz Tupy, mother-in-law Emma Tuma, father-in-law Emil Tuma, and brother-in-law Harry Tuma.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 13 from 4:00-7:00 at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague and at church for 1 hour prior to the service. If you have any “Team Dave”, blood donation, D&J Landscaping, Tug-of-War, or CreeksBend Golf Course apparel, the family encourages you to wear that to the visitation. A funeral will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 10:00 at FaithPoint Lutheran Church in New Prague. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following: St. Wenceslaus Church & School, FaithPoint Church, Feed My Starving Children, KTIS, Duck Cup Memorial or St. Paul Opportunity Center. Donations of your time through blood and platelet donations are also always encouraged.