Obituary for David James Backes
David James Backes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and mentor, passed away at the age of 65 on December 23, 2022. Preceded in death by father Gilbert F. Backes and mother Jeanne (Vogt) Backes, David is survived by his wife and best friend of more than 44 years, Judi; his children Heidi (Tony), Tim (Katie), Jenny (Cody), and Andrew; his grandchildren Rosalie, Lily, Charlie, Malachi, Jack, and Walter; and his siblings Anne (Peter) Pitterle, Joan (Tom) Sills, and Paul (Linda) Backes.
Though David’s life was unexpectedly cut short, the number of people he influenced and inspired throughout his lifetime is immeasurable. For nearly three decades, David was a fixture in the journalism department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, teaching courses in mass media, news reporting, Religion and Culture, and the course that came to define his career as an educator, Nature and Culture. Students and colleagues alike came to love David for his quiet wisdom, his kindness to and empathy for all who came through his doors, and his love of the natural world.
David achieved acclaim as the official biographer of famous environmentalist Sigurd F. Olson, who devoted his life to protecting Minnesota’s northwoods and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Backes published six books related to Olson and the northwoods, with Olson’s biography (entitled A Wilderness Within) receiving national attention and awards. David was instrumental in securing Olson’s legacy and was active from the early beginnings of the Listening Point Foundation in ensuring his work and mission would continue to thrive.
In 2005, David was ordained a deacon in the Catholic church. He served at Divine Mercy Parish in South Milwaukee from 2005 to 2011 and St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Racine from 2011 to 2017, after which he retired from the diaconate. David’s faith and spirituality were intertwined with his love of the natural world, and he found great joy and holiness in all aspects of creation.
In David’s final years, his driving purpose was what he described as a healing ministry, especially the healing of the natural world. Much of his writing late in life was devoted to spreading awareness of the threats posed to the planet, while also reflecting on the beauties and the simplicity of the small things found all around us in everyday life.
David frequently cited the phrase “all is abundance” as being a guiding principle of his. He lived a life of abundant love for all life, especially those close to him. He leaves behind a legacy of immense wisdom, comfort, kindness, humility, and gratitude.
Memorial Visitation on Saturday, January 14 at St. Richard Catholic Church (1503 Grand Ave, Racine) from 9 to 11 AM with Mass at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Listening Point Foundation (www.listeningpointfoundation.org).
Though David’s life was unexpectedly cut short, the number of people he influenced and inspired throughout his lifetime is immeasurable. For nearly three decades, David was a fixture in the journalism department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, teaching courses in mass media, news reporting, Religion and Culture, and the course that came to define his career as an educator, Nature and Culture. Students and colleagues alike came to love David for his quiet wisdom, his kindness to and empathy for all who came through his doors, and his love of the natural world.
David achieved acclaim as the official biographer of famous environmentalist Sigurd F. Olson, who devoted his life to protecting Minnesota’s northwoods and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Backes published six books related to Olson and the northwoods, with Olson’s biography (entitled A Wilderness Within) receiving national attention and awards. David was instrumental in securing Olson’s legacy and was active from the early beginnings of the Listening Point Foundation in ensuring his work and mission would continue to thrive.
In 2005, David was ordained a deacon in the Catholic church. He served at Divine Mercy Parish in South Milwaukee from 2005 to 2011 and St. Richard of Chichester Parish in Racine from 2011 to 2017, after which he retired from the diaconate. David’s faith and spirituality were intertwined with his love of the natural world, and he found great joy and holiness in all aspects of creation.
In David’s final years, his driving purpose was what he described as a healing ministry, especially the healing of the natural world. Much of his writing late in life was devoted to spreading awareness of the threats posed to the planet, while also reflecting on the beauties and the simplicity of the small things found all around us in everyday life.
David frequently cited the phrase “all is abundance” as being a guiding principle of his. He lived a life of abundant love for all life, especially those close to him. He leaves behind a legacy of immense wisdom, comfort, kindness, humility, and gratitude.
Memorial Visitation on Saturday, January 14 at St. Richard Catholic Church (1503 Grand Ave, Racine) from 9 to 11 AM with Mass at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Listening Point Foundation (www.listeningpointfoundation.org).