David Werkhoven, 80, of Washington, died on November 3rd, 2026 surrounded with love from his family and friends at Regional Hospice in Danbury. 

Dave was born on July 22, 1946 in Vernon, CT. He was the son of Hylke and Dorothy (Elliott) Werkhoven. Dave graduated as valedictorian of Ellington High School in 1964 and later graduated from Union College. On June 14th 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Magdefrau. In 1971, Dave and Sue moved to Washington, CT, intending to teach for a year before pursuing their advanced degrees. One year turned into a lifetime, and they made Washington their forever home and raised their children, Scott and Karen. Dave taught science and coached baseball at Shepaug Valley High School for 35 years. His mentor and friend, Ted Alex shared with him the beloved tradition of Shepaug baseball. Their teams enjoyed great success on the field, but more importantly, Ted and Dave instilled in their players the values of respect, teamwork, dedication and integrity. Dave took the reins from Ted in 1984 and later passed them on to his son Scott in 2005. Dave was actively involved in the Town of Washington and the First Congregational Church in many capacities over the years and was somehow connected to just about everyone in town.

Despite his many achievements as a coach, teacher, and citizen of Washington, Dave’s greatest source of pride was his family. He and Sue were their children’s biggest supporters, and they thought nothing of driving 3-4 hours (each way!) for a baseball doubleheader or a field hockey game during Scott and Karen’s athletic careers. The role that Dave loved the best was that of “Grampa” to Julie, Molly, Lexie, Drew, Jacob and Eloise. He cherished his time with each of them, whether it was driving to Massachusetts for a softball or soccer game, making pancakes on a Tuesday morning before school, taking them out for ice cream, or sharing the fun of Webster Point with them.

Sue and Dave shared nearly 45 years of marriage. When Sue passed away in 2014, Dave was heartbroken. But as it turned out, there was another chapter of life and love in store for him. Dave spent the last 12 years with the love and companionship of Kathy Francis, and he gained another family and 4 bonus grandchildren in Ace, Max, Blake and Kensley.

Dave leaves behind his son Scott Werkhoven and his wife Lauren Cook Werkhoven of Washington, his daughter Karen Werkhoven Purtschert and her husband Adrian Purtschert, of Andover, Massachusetts, his companion Kathy Francis of Bridgewater, and his beloved grandchildren Julie, Molly, Lexie, Drew, Jacob and Eloise. In addition, he leaves his brother Dale Werkhoven, sisters-in-law Carol Bowman and Jamy Magdefrau and his nieces and nephews.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on November 15th at 1:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Washington, and a reception will follow at Bryan Memorial Town Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Citizens’ Scholarship, Regional Hospice, or a charity of your choice.