David W. Semplinski (Dave), age 60 passed away unexpectedly on September 6, 2024. David graduated from Crown Point High School in 1982 and went on to graduate from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1985.  David was a Licensed Funeral Director, and in 1996 he and his partner (Jovan Savich) formed Savich and Semplinski Funeral Directors in Northwest, Indiana where he was co-owner and served thousands of Northwest Indiana families. He was also an Insurance Agent, Ordained Minister (Pastor Dave), and a volunteer for the Hobart Humane Society. He served Northwest Indiana over 43 years in the Funeral Business. He was a husband, father, brother, grandfather, Fire Chief, Funeral Director, and part time Santa. Dave volunteered for the Lake County Sheriff Search and Rescue Dive Team and was a proud member of the Volunteer Sheriff’s boat. David was Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Department member from 1985 until 2010 and retired as Assistant Chief. He also retired from US Steel Emergency Services as a Lieutenant. David was also Funeral Home Operations Supervisor for all 3 Calumet Park Funeral Chapel sites.

Dave was truly a caring son. As his father aged, Dave became his primary care giver. Dave would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was a true friend to all who knew him.

He was fun and funny and his sense of humor resonated with everyone. David was an incredible father to his girls. Respect, compassion, love and laughter, were incredibly important to him. With a joke never far from his mind and a helping hand always outstretched, he lit up every room with his humor. He meant a great deal to his family and friends. Dave was also known by his nicknames “Digger” and “Pastor Dave”.

Dave is survived by his wife — Sharon Gurniewicz Semplinski;  two loving daughters, Gillian (Dustin) Trish (Madison) Semplinski, his dear father – Edward Semplinski and brother Chip (Trina) Semplinski and family; 3 Step Sons Kyle (Ina) Wengel , Ryan (Monica) Wengel, and Jeremy Wengel; Grandson Wolf Ake Wengel; Granddaughter Coming in January “Iris Rae Semplinski”; also many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all the lives who were touched by David’s kindness and compassion.

David is preceded in Death by his mother Marian Semplinski.

Dave really loved his dogs. He would come home from work and take them all for a ride around the neighborhood. David spent a lot of time on Lake Michigan with “Fast Eddie” and the “Burns” family. You could always find Dave at Pepe’s at lunch time. Anyone who knew Dave also knew he was very particular about his grass cutting and keeping his lines straight.

Dave was a decorated altar boy at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Merrillville. He was also an avid football and basketball player at SSPP.

A Celebration of Life For David will be held at the Slovak Club, 6920 Broadway, Merrillville, IN on Sunday, October 27th from 12PM – 5PM. Friends all are kindly asked to attend. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840.