David Cole Davis

DAVIS, DAVID COLE MADISON-David Cole Davis passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by the comfort of his family on May 26, 2014. He was born on Nov. 27, 1935, the son of Wilbur and Roselyn Davis. Dave grew up in the Seminary Springs area and graduated from Madison East High School in 1954, where he excelled in athletics as a member of both the football and wrestling teams. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army and spent two years in Frankfort, Germany, serving with the 3rd Armored Honor Guard Division. Following his return to Madison, Dave became employed by the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1997. He was very proud of his 41 years of Federal service. Dave was also an avid Packers fan, rarely missing a Sunday game in the past 50 years. He dearly loved his family and treasured time spent with them. Dave was a gentle, kind man who shared his love for his family in a strong and quiet way. He and his wife, Ruth, shared 54 years of marriage. Dave is survived by Ruth; and their five children, Heidi Madison, Susan (Rick) Davis-Mellum, David (Donna) Davis, Karen (Chuck) Murphree and Daniel (Michelle) Davis; four grandchildren, Nicole, Rachel, Sydney and Nickolas; and two great-grandchildren, Jam and Roxanne. He is also survived by his sister, Mary (Larry) Tonstad; two brothers, Clay (Carol) Davis and Larry (Ellen McDermott) Davis; sister-in-law, Donna Davis; brother-in-law, Tom (Cathy) Swenson; and many nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane and Tom Davis; and Ruth’s parents, Holden and Mildred Swenson. Funeral services will be held at the LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2014, with the Rev. Lex Liberatore presiding. Burial will follow in the Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery, Deerfield. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the doctors at Wildwood Clinic and the nursing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their excellent care and support these past two weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. “God sees when the footsteps all falter, when the pathway has grown too steep, then He touches the weary eyelids, and gives His dear ones sleep.” Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420