David William Kmet, 80
August 26, 1940- November 14, 2020.
The Son of the Late Frank and Henrietta Kmet of Chicago, Beloved Husband, Loving Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather peacefully passed away after his brave battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and Covid 19.
He is survived by his wife and forever love of 56 years Marcia, Daughter Karen, Son Bob (Manny), Frank (Kandace), Daughter Robyn (Chris), 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He always put his family first. He would sacrifice anything for them. His family was his life and his greatest accomplishment and made sure everyone knew it. It brought him great joy to have them all together.
To know Dave, was to know a genuine heart and a genuine man. He was a man of his word and instilled that in his children and his daily life. Anyone who got to know Dave got to know a true friend. Dave was a simple man, never asking for anything from anyone. He was full of pride and self-worth. He will always be remembered for his quick wit and trivia knowledge along with his index card of questions that he would keep in his wallet to ask at a minute notice. An avid sports fan, he was involved in all of his kids and grandkids sports events, being their biggest fan. He always made it a point to attend as many events as he possibly could and would be sure to ask about those that he could not.
Before his retirement 25 years ago, Dave was a teacher and coach for the Niles North Township High School in Skokie for 30 years. While there he was Head Baseball Coach and Soccer Coach.
A true Chicago Cubs fan since he was little boy, baseball played a big role in Dave’s life. So here you are Dave, bottom of the 9th, bases loaded, 3 balls, 2 strikes…..the bat hits the ball. GRAND SLAM! So proud you were a player on our team.
(Ballgame!)
Per the family request, there will be a private memorial service at a later date.
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Sending love & prayers to the Kmet family
Sending our deepest sympathies to our friend Marcia & family. Dave was one of a kind and we were lucky to have known him.
Sending our love and prayers to the entire Family. Dave was a wonderful and kind man. Cousin Les and Sharon
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.
Sending love and prayers to the Kmet family we pray that you find peace
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Kmet family during this difficult time. Always enjoyed talking to Dave at our games. He was full of positive energy.
My condolences to the Kmet Families on the loss of David Kmet.
My sincere condolences to Dave's family. I got to know both Dave and Marcia at Burnttoast. Dave would bring his index cards of trivia shortly after I met them. A truly genuine man, and I am grateful for getting to know him. Bless all of you.
I coached with Dave at Niles North both baseball and basketball 1977-82. He was the Frosh A baseball coach and I was the Frosh B coach. In basketball I was Frosh A and he was Frosh B in the 1981-82 season. He was my mentor in baseball. What a wonderful man! I recall him telling me he was a left handed pitcher and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. At the time he was so proud of his son Frank who was playing football at Purdue and was drafted by the Bears. How proud he must have been to see his grandson play football at Notre Dame and now play for the Bears! He was truly a great man! I am heart broken by his loss. May he rest in peace!
We were greatly saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Your family is in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Dave was really a great guy. I worked with him at Niles North for many years. He was a wonderful teacher for the special education students, he really reached out and connected with this group from Niles North. He was also very proud of his children and I enjoyed listening to him talk about them. Just a very good man one I will always remember with a smile.
Prayers to all. Grandpa Kmet was truly a fan of everyone. I don’t think he ever met anyone he didn’t like and that didn’t love him back. He cheered just as loud for my boys as his own grandkids. The world will miss his presence and Heaven is lucky to have him. Hugs to all the Kmet’s.
My sympathy on the passing of Dave. Sending prayers and hugs.
What a beautiful obituary, it truly captures who he was. I love the picture and his smile. Sending love to all of you
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Kmet family. Sending prayers, hugs and lots of love!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this truly great man. Had the pleasure to complete against him as a baseball player at Niles West vs Dave's Niles North teams. I had the honor of getting to know Dave on a different level as a colleague at Niles North. He was such a nice, cheerful man willing to help out young teacher's as we tried to learn the ropes. I was fortunate enough as head baseball coach, to convince him to start coaching baseball near the end of his career, he agreed to coach our freshman B baseball team and did an outstanding job with those young men! To the entire Kmet family, my deepest condolences! His family is his greatest legacy.
Dear Marcia and family, I was very sorry to hear abut Dave. I did’nt know him well but remember he was very handsome. Be well
Loved Mr. Kmet while I was a student at Niles North and then later as my colleague. He will be greatly missed! I'm glad he lived long enough to see his grandson play for the BEARS!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave and family thru my serving job and am grateful to have met them. I looked forward to seeing them all every week. I will miss him dearly ..... my love, thoughts, and prayers go out to his family.
My condolences to Marcia and the family. Taught with Dave at NN for his entire career. Always a smile and a good friend. Great with students and someone you always enjoyed being with. It just seems hard to believe. Dave will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. What a great spirit Dave had. Enjoyed speaking with him at all the St. Viator baseball games. He truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren and cheered for everyone. You could see how happy and proud he was of his family. Your family is in our prayers.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Best little league coach I ever had. Teach my kids how to properly conduct a rundown thanks to him. My condolences
Dad, I cannot thank you enough for being the loving father and friend you were to me. We went on such an unexpected journey together that taught us so much about each other and life. We met so many good people, experienced so many thrills. It was truly a dream that played itself out. I miss you and love you.. I will save you a seat. ** On behalf of the Kmet Family, we THANK & APPRECIATE everyone's calls, texts, thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers and love. These times have been challenging to everyone one way or another. My dad always looked for the positive through these times and always said "This Too, Shall Pass." Thanks again to EVERYONE!
Dad, My heart is empty. I expect to call and to hear you say Hello Robert! I cannot express the gratitude of what you have brought to not only me, our family, but also everyone who you came in contact with. I am blessed to have had you in my life for the time I did. I remember from the day I moved to Florida when you stood at the end of the driveway waving goodbye......it’s never goodbye Dad!! I miss you and love you!
When Cole Kmet was drafted the Bears, I thought aloud, I wonder if he was related to my high school gym teacher, Mr Kmet. I now see that he was. Mr Kmet was an avid and competitive volleyball player against me when I was in high school. I'd be pleased to come tell the stories at a future private event. RIP David Dalka contact: http://fearlessrevival.com/contact/
Marcia I am shocked, my deepest condolences. If you need me for anything ever I am so there for you. I will miss Dave’s trivia at the counter at Burnt Toast
My deepest condolence to cole and the kmet family for there lost mr kmet will be missed
Coach Kmet was the assistant coach of my freshman B football team at Niles North H. S.(class of '73) with Dale Brady. He was a great guy, and coach. When I watched the recent Bears game and saw the pass that the tight end caught it immediately brought back my freshman football memories of my coach. I could not find the link to be sure if the relationship until seeing the Bears website. So sorry for your loss. Good people are hard to find. He was very kind to me and an inspiration.
Dear Marcia and family, I was very sorry to hear abut Dave. I did’nt know him well but remember he was very handsome. Be well
My heart goes out to all of you. Mr. Kmet always made my day when I saw him at my work. We also would inevitably run into each other at the store. He was always smiling and telling a joke. He always would say "have an ordinary day" Mr Kmet was anything but ordinary. I consider myself blessed to have known him for 3.5 years.He was an extraordinary man. His love for his family was truly amazing. I will miss seeing him. RIP you funny, loving man You are missed already.
My Daddy My hero. I love you so much.You were such a great dad.I will miss our talks and you always saying everything will work out it always does..Our talks about God and life. You lived a great life and seen so much.I will miss your smile and going for breakfast to burnt toast and enjoying watching you give Erik advice,just being there with you and mom,made my day..We all miss you so much.Do what makes you happy,that's what you said life is all about...So many memories...So many people love you..You followed the rules of life . I love you daddy,forever. Thank you so much to all of you for writing such nice things about my dad.He was a great man.Deeply appreciated.
My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Sorry to hear about Uncle Dave's passing. I always remembered him being a fun, kind, and, up beat person. I wish the Kmet Family my sincere condolences.
Dad...I’m not even sure where to start. I miss you! You raised me to be a strong person. You always put your family in front of your own needs. You gave up ice cream and cigars when I was sick. You drove me to all my appointments downtown. I could never thank you enough for all that you have done for me and my family. Going out to breakfast will never be the same without you. Tuesday night pizza will also not be the same. I know you are watching over all of us. I love you dad!! Thank you everyone for all the kind words about my dad.
Poppy, I'm not sure where to start so I'll start with saying you are one of the most kind hearted men I know. A man of his word. You are The Man. The Myth. The Legend. You were always generous and always made sure everyone was taken care of. Everywhere you went you always touched someone's heart. Always thought of you and Nanny as famous people in our area as you both knew EVERYONE around. I am honored and blessed to call you family. I'll never forget those memories of the letter "A" in the forest. Going to Old Country Buffet weekly for dinner and you always brought back a plate of cubed jello because you knew it was one of my favorites! You told me to never be Bumblebee (Old Country Buffet Mascot) as you wanted so much more for my future. Taking Amanda, Joey and I out all the time to the movies when we were younger. Driving me to nursery school with Chocolate Milk and Donuts every day. Your trivia; "DEMERIT FOR A STUPID ANSWER!" Your dance after leaving your house after family gatherings. The speech you gave at my wedding. The bond you created with Noah (Little Professor) and how fascinated you both were with each other. So many more memories too!! Going to Breakfast, Pizza Nights and Holidays will never be the same without you, but I know you'll be there in spirit. I love and miss you so much!! ❤
Thank you all for the condolences you have sent. Dave was a special person and we loved him so much. His family was his world and nothing else mattered. We were married almost 56 years and had great love for each other. He loved his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will carry him in our hearts forever. Rest In Peace. We will be together again . I love you.
Bob, Mike and I are deeply sorry for your loss and your families loss our Prayers are with you !
WOW, the news of Dave's passing hit hard to our family. My mom, a colleague of Dave's of over 30 years at NN and one of her favorite people there. She loved talking to him about family and about the cubs. I used to see Dave when I came to school to visit mom and at the local pool. To Bob and the rest of the family, our heart s bleed for all of you. We are thinking about you and will miss Dave right along with you.
I always thought highly of Dave . He was a wonderful man and a terrific coach.
My two favorite Costco members, Marcia and Dave. You made my day every time you came into Costco. I enjoyed getting your drinks ready when I would see you walking in, having them ready when you reached the counter. I will forever remember the times I would sit with you at the food court talking and enjoying your trivia card and hearing about your family. You were a straight shooter, always with a smile for all of us at Costco. Both of you are truly my favorite members, ever!!! I will miss your smiling face.
Sorry to hear about Dave. We go back 75 yrs. when we met in kindergarten. I always thought about Dave over the years with fond memories. We send our love and prayers to your family.
Mr. Kmet was my PE teacher at East Maine Jr. High in 1965-66. He was one of the good ones. Rest In Peace.
Mr. Kmet was my PE teacher at East Maine Jr. High in 1965-66. He was one of the good ones. Rest In Peace.
I was a scared seventh grader with little to no confidence, going through puberty, when I first arrived at East Maine Jr. High back in the fall of 1966. Such a big school, so much to remember, I never thought I would make it. But then I met Mr. Kmet and through his kind-hearted manner he took me under his wing and was my savior. He always had a smile on his face and truly loved being a difference maker for young adults like me. What an awesome man. I often think back about my junior high days and Mr. Kmet always comes to mind. Sorry to hear of his passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, we lost a great man!
My condolences
I just learned of Dave's passing. How sad to learn of this news. The Lord has called a wonderful angle to his presents. I taught with Dave for many years both at Niles North and at East Maine Jr. High. Dave always had a pleasing smile with a friendly "hello". My condolences to his family.
Dave was my varsity Baseball coach at Niles North. I remember him fondly for his humor and positive mentoring . Sorry for your loss as I just became aware of it. Dave was a wonderful leader who exemplified great values. I am in the class of 1970.
Dave was my varsity Baseball coach at Niles North. I remember him fondly for his humor and positive mentoring . Sorry for your loss as I just became aware of it. Dave was a wonderful leader who exemplified great values. I am in the class of 1970.