WXOW-TV/WQOW-TV General Manager Dave Booth died Friday at the age of 59.
Booth worked at multiple television stations during his 37-year career, including WQOW-TV in Eau Claire, KOLN/KGIN in Lincoln, Nebraska, and WHBF in the Quad Cities. In 1992, he took a job as the local sales manager at WXOW 19 in La Crosse.
According to his obituary, at that time, it was his dream to be the youngest sales manager and he achieved that dream. His family said Booth was proud to serve as GM of WXOW-TV.
Booth was a past President of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.
A former employee said, “Dave was always there to offer advice and always realized there was a human-side to working in news. During the holidays, he and Teri would bring in meals for those working. These are memories I won’t ever forget. His extreme kindness and generosity were never lost on me during my time at WXOW.”
“Dave was a true broadcaster, through and through. Everybody knew Dave,” Anna Engelhart, Vice-President and General Manager of sister station WKOW in Madison said. “He worked hard to lead his teams in serving their communities. He loved what he did! The impact he had on his community and our industry will live on with many for years to come. Dave was a great colleague and friend. We talked almost every day during the work week – he would always be willing to talk through an issue with you and give some advice. He will be missed.”
Funeral services were held Friday, June 28, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Great Rivers United Way, 1855 E. Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650.
