David A. Hanlin, 72, of Washington Island, WI, died on the island on August 30, 2026. He was born in Waukegan, IL on July 27, 1954 to Effie (Anderson) and Richard Hanlin. He graduated from Washington Island School in 1973. Dave was a proud, self-made man, known for his hard work, loyalty, and deep care for anyone who was struggling or in need. He held his values highly. He loved striking up a conversation with a stranger and catching up with old friends. His home was a revolving door of folks taking a pit stop on Main Road to join him for a cup of coffee or a swing in the front yard. All visitors were met with spirited and entertaining conversation and stories. Dave worked at Peterson Builders Incorporated (PBI), a ship building company, in Sturgeon Bay for five years as a welder, ship fitter, and carpenter. Starting in 1981, he proudly ran Dave's Garage, formerly owned by his father, and has run Hanlin Excavating since 2008. The garage included gas pumps for the first 10 years, sold fudge, and has been notoriously known for its 23-hour towing and snow plowing. He was a volunteer firefighter for 23 years, served as a town board member for two terms, and he even drove the island school bus for many years. To say that Dave has done it all would be an understatement. Dave's greatest legacy remains his large and loving family. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Adam (Breana) of Washington Island, Alan (Tracy) of Green Bay, Austin of West Haven, CT, and Arthur (Barbara) of San Antonio, TX; stepchildren, Nichole (Kent) of Sturgeon Bay, and Brian (Denise) of Sturgeon Bay; and 16 grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Crystal (Matthew); sisters-in-law, Netta, and Genevieve; other relatives; and many friends, including his nephew, Bobby Hanlin, and dear friend, Cathy Patel. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Effie; brothers, Richard, Donald, John, and Daniel; and sisters, Patricia, Annette, and Linda. Dave's life will be honored with a memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Bethel Evangelical Free Church on Washington Island with Pastor Rick Smith officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. He will be laid to rest in the Town of Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Bethel Evangelical Free Church (www.islandbethelchurch.com), Unity Hospice (www.unityhospice.org/donate), or Washington Island Fire Department (910 Main Rd, Washington Island WI 54246). Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC in Sister Bay, is assisting David's family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of David may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.