David Dean Reynolds, 56

David Dean Reynolds, 56, a long-time resident of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022.

He was a beloved brother, son, uncle, colleague, neighbor, and dear friend to all who knew him.

David was born on December 27, 1965, in Battle Creek, Mich., to Raymond and Marcia Reynolds. After living in Michigan, Ohio, and Colorado, David settled with his family in Stevens Point. David attended Stevens Point Area High School (SPASH) from 1982 to 1984, then UWSP from 1990-1992, and Midstate Technical College for various certifications between 2009 and 2020.

David served his community proudly as a certified volunteer firefighter from 2009 until the recent closure of the Park Ridge Fire Department. During his tenure as a firefighter, he earned many certifications including; Wisconsin DNR – Wildland Fire Suppression (Dec. 2009); FEMA Incident Management, Incident Command System (Dec. 2009); Midstate Technical College – Certified in Hazmat Operations (May 2010); Wis. Technical College Board – Fire Fighter I/Hazmat Ops (Aug. 2010)/Fire Fighter II (Dec. 2010); and Midstate Technical College – Emergency Services Instructor I (March 2020).

David was an ardent creator and innovator of mechanical and electrical non-conventional designs including various electrical control systems and numerous other creative endeavors. He was a true engineer at heart. His most celebrated design was combining a BD-5 Jet fuselage with a Honda Helix motorcycle to create his one-of-a-kind “Jet Bike,” which was on display at the Wisconsin EAA AirVenture, and MREA Energy Fair in 2006, and was also awarded a parade lap at Road America in Elkhart Lake. He worked with the DMV to get the “Jet Bike” licensed and street legal. He was often seen on the streets of Stevens Point randomly surprising people by driving this unique vehicle around.

David was a major motorcycle enthusiast and on June 14-15, 1995, he set a world record recognized by Guinness with a motorcycle road trip from Chicago to Las Vegas, riding for 1,780 miles in 27 hours and 50 minutes straight. This record was sanctioned by the “Iron Butt Association” and was one of David’s proudest accomplishments.

David was also an avid skier, amateur stand-up comedian, skilled carpenter, mechanically inclined inventor, a Packer fan, and innovator of many elaborate and award-winning Halloween costumes.

He is survived by five of his siblings; Lynn McNamee, Mary McCafferty, Michael (Linda) Reynolds, John (Michelle) Reynolds, Jennifer Glad, and nine nieces and nephews; Leah (Ricky) Lee, Shannon (Luke) Bushey, Dean McNamee, Reginald McCafferty, III, Stephanie Frost, Kristen Reynolds, Daniel Reynolds, Alexandra Glad, and Samantha Glad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marcia Reynolds, and his beloved sister, Beth Ann Reynolds.

A Celebration of Life to honor David will be held at a future date. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.