David E St. John
November 18, 1956 - May 02, 2014
Obituary
MADISON-The teaching community suffered a great loss this weekend, with the unexpected passing of “Mr. Dave.” David Edward St. John, age 57, left a legacy behind him that will live on through those he touched throughout more than two decades of childcare, which led him to operating the After School and Summer Programs with St. Dennis Catholic School. Mr. Dave was easy to spot in the halls, sporting Green and Gold, or Badger Red at all times of the year, but it was more than his attire that left a mark on those who were fortunate enough to let him enter their lives. Dave was always quick with a joke, and was heavy on the puns, but those who looked past his quips, colorful clothing and trademark tie-die Converse were blessed to find that Mr. Dave was not just another teacher; he was a confidant, a father, mentor, devoted husband and friend. Dave was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia, which due to complications took his life May 2, 2014. The outpouring of support for Mr. Dave throughout the St. Dennis community and Madison’s Eastside illustrated the role he played in so many lives. His glass-half-full approach to life will be missed by those who knew him, and a loss to those who never got the chance. Dave is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Claire (Peter) Sonnentag; children, Christi (Patrick) Stutz, Matt St. John, and Nate St. John and their mother, Sue Ball; five grandchildren, Olivia, Charlie, Abby, Laney, and Emma; mother, Phyllis Day; step-mother, Maryann St. John; brother, Gary; step-siblings, Kenny, Teri and Connie, and several nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved students. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard St. John and step-father, Bill Day. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison. Visitation will be held at St DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2014, and also from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Save Mr. Dave Fund through the Monona State Bank, 5515 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53716. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon May 5, 2014 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Visitation
Tue May 6, 2014 @ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Service
Tue May 6, 2014 @ 10:00 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of David have been shared yet.
Memories
BK
Brenda Kunde
Other •
Mr Dave where to begin. My son spent seven yrs at St Dennis school. Though he was never in the child care program you ran....I saw what a powerful influence you had on those children.
My fondest memories are when I did lunch room duty and you would come into the cafeteria and things were a bit out of hand you would use that stern, but loving voice and those kids would calm down immediately. Also, seeing you sport your blue vest at Wal- Mart and I would say " Hi, Mr. Dave!" There you were with ear to ear grin and always asked how Noah was doing in high school. You gave me sound advice about teens and high school. Thank you Mr. Dave for your compassion and loyalty to the St Dennis kids, so trying not to shed a tear....all I can say is RIP we will miss you.
JB
Janet Burrill
Other •
Dave had the classroom next to mine for many years. He was a very caring & kind man. He always had a kind word to say whenever I ran into him in the faculty room. He spoke very highly of his children & I know that he loved them a lot. He will be missed.
SC
Sue Corcoran
Other •
Mr. Dave had such an impact on so many lives. We entrusted our children with you. And we were so very lucky! I always felt so very fortunate to have you caring for Megan. You always greeted us with that beautiful smile and was still able to keep control! I think that was because you were so very kind. I will miss you and that smile. May you be blessed greatly in heaven and rest in peace. With sympathy, prayers and admiration. Sue Corcoran
C
cd-mad@att.net
Other •
Our condolences. Dorothy Stormer and Chuck Doring
MS
Marilyn Stauter
Other •
Dear Barb and family. We lift you up to God in our prayers for His comfort and peace in this very sad time. We also send our love. Roger and Marilyn
CH
Cindy Hintz
Other •
I knew Dave as a brother and friend. He always welcomed me with open arms, a kiss on the cheek and a big smile. When I found out I could not have children, he and Sue opened their hearts and home to me. It was such a gift of love, watching him love and cherish his children as they grew. His optimism, willingness to help others and his love of family will be greatly missed by so many. I hope his family find comfort knowing how important he was to so many people. Cindy Hintz