David G. Sweet

David G. Sweet, born in Madison, WI, passed away unexpectedly January 14, 2025, at the age of 58 in his home in Gurnee, IL. Though he built his life in the Chicagoland area with his family, Dave remained a devoted Green Bay Packers fan, always treasuring his Wisconsin roots.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Barb Sweet whom he married on September 10, 1988; his children, Jennifer Stewart and her husband Ryan, Matthew Sweet, and Jonathan Sweet; his cherished granddaughters Ayla and Emma Stewart; his mother Katherine (Gasparac) Ratkovich; his brother Darrin Sweet and wife Kristina; brother-in-law Adam Rekas and wife Angie; six nieces and nephews: Zachary Sweet, Alex Sweet, Samantha Rekas, Sarah Rekas, Sabrina Rekas, and Michael Rekas. Dave will also be deeply missed by his faithful dog, Jake.

He is preceded in death by his father Joseph Sweet; his stepfather John Ratkovich; and his in-laws Maria and Casey Rekas. 

In 1991, Dave earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Math, Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago. His time at UIC profoundly shaped his life through meeting his wife, immersing him in the National Guard and ROTC, and fostering lifelong friendships that became like family.

Dave’s 35-year career was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability across diverse industries. He began in the engineering field at Allied Signal where he earned an award for his work developing the Pilot Plant Synthesis Methods for High Temperature ALAD-DARPA Superconductor Program. He owned and managed a real estate and renovation business that revitalized several Chicago neighborhoods. Upon leaving real estate, Dave joined his family’s firm, KAS Associates, where he played a critical role in its growth, built invaluable relationships, and led a successful nationwide sales team.

Dave’s next adventure catapulted him into the spirits industry by way of whiskey tasting events. Dave ran the U.S. franchise for Whisky Live creating intimate tasting events bringing people together to foster a vibrant whiskey community. He also served as Senior VP North America for Whisky Magazine overseeing advertising sales. In recent years, Dave founded Whiskey and Barrel Nite which hosted events, private tastings, and fundraisers that fostered an educational environment for whiskey enthusiasts. Ever innovative, Dave’s latest projects included working with clients to create custom bourbon bottlings and the creation of Lake Effect Vodka.

Above all, Dave was a devoted family man who would walk to the ends of the earth for those he loved. He championed his kids’ passions, encouraging them to be their best. He attended as many swim meets and band concerts as possible. With unrestrained enthusiasm, Dave was the loudest parent in the stands ensuring his children knew he was cheering for them. As his children grew, he connected with them through sharing his knowledge of many skills to include carpentry, woodworking, hunting, and his love of sporting dogs, creating lasting memories.

Becoming a grandfather was one of Dave’s greatest joys. When visiting his granddaughters, he could be found reading mountains of books, making them laugh with his playful humor and silly faces, or building MAGNA-TILES masterpieces alongside the girls. He had countless adventures planned for them and his presence in their lives will be greatly missed.

Dave’s love for the outdoors was evident in his hobbies, from fishing and hunting to training his dogs and appreciating wildlife all around. In his own backyard, he spoiled the birds who nested nearby with only the best quality birdseed and chuckled at the courage of the squirrels and chipmunks who dared enter a yard populated by his hunting dogs. Dave loved exploring new places, visiting nearly every U.S. state and several countries. His treasured motorcycle trips brought him to places such as The Badlands, The Appalachians, and all over the Midwest.

His memory and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Dave’s larger-than-life personality and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression. He loved to chat and had a natural talent for striking up conversations, eager to learn from everyone he met. With a rare gift for bringing people together, Dave created connections that might never have happened otherwise. He generously shared his wisdom and time, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

A memorial to celebrate Dave's life will be held at Thunderhawk Golf Club in Beach Park, IL on Sunday, February 16, from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Remarks and a final "Cheers" to Dave will take place at 12:00 p.m.

To aid in planning the memorial service, completion of this RSVP form is appreciated. All who knew Dave are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of RSVP status.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Parks Conservation Association in his name to honor Dave’s love for the outdoors.

Dave’s family encourages friends and loved ones to share memories and photos to the tribute page on this site. Your stories, thoughts and prayers will be deeply cherished and will help keep Dave’s memory alive.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. You are welcome to sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719

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