David Walter Zemke
January 11, 1943 - January 03, 2016
Obituary
MADSION- David Walter Zemke, age 72, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, at UW Hospital. He was born on January 11, 1943, in Glenwood, Minn. David was most well known as the proprietor of D.W. Zemke Traditional Clothiers, a men's clothing store. After he graduated from Luther College, David moved to Madison, where he became a music teacher for the Madison school district (Marquette and East) and played the saxophone and clarinet for the Madison Capital band. David is survived by two daughters, Jessica Z. Brandenburg of Chicago, Ill., and Deana Condra, Madison; granddaughter, Courtney Condra; and siblings, Cedric Zemke of Glenwood, Minn., and Carol (Zemke) Niehoff of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608)442-5002
Events
Visitation
Fri Jan 29, 2016 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
No photos of David have been shared yet.
Memories
TC
Tim Collins
Other •
Mr. Zemke was the first teacher to actually take an interest in me as an introverted 7th grader at Marquette Jr. High. My first year there coincided with his first year as a teacher.and over the next two years he introduced me to the world of music . He took me to various concerts at UW and expose where. Even sometimes when he'd play "gigs" as a local musician for visiting performers or shows. In 10th grade I followed him to East High School where he was the director of the Stage Band: an experience that helped to introduce me to modern jazz and a mutual love for the late Gerry Mulligan. During our sophomore year
Mr Zemke would often meet a group of band kids for dinner at places like the Jolly Troll or Sweden House before attending a concert. I was surprised when he left teaching as he always had such a great passion for it. For me he'll always be that young, enthusiastic teacher just out of Luther College, full of energy and driving that beautiful green 1954 Chevy.
JF
Joyce Freeman
Other •
Thank you Mr. Zemke, for teaching me to love music. I took your love of music from Marquette middle, to East High marching band and many years as a Capitolaire, 1st all-girl drum corps.
You were always handsomely dressed, you were my first school girl crush, and broke my heart when you married my Spanish teacher. I ran into Mr. Zemke through the years a n d he was always a first class act.
Condolences to the family, I will miss him also.
Joyce Freeman
RG
robert and Nancy Gandrud
Other •
David was a classmate in Glenwood, Minnesota and a special friend. Always the neatest pickup truck you can imagine. When my 'boyfriend' lost his driver's license for speeding, David was our chauffeur. He took Bob home first. That's a friend. Our sympathy to his family and especially brother Cedric in Glenwood. Nancy (Olson) and Bob Gandrud...
RL
Rick Lyngaas
Other •
My condolences to the family. I bought many suits and sport coats over the years from David. Of all the people who have ever measured me he was the best. I was also honored to sell his home after he moved out to a more assisted living situation. Sorry I can't be at the visitation. Rick Lyngaas
CK
Carole Klagos
Other •
My sincere sympathy to the family. I have known David for many years and in the later years he would meet a few of us football fans at "Josie" to celebrate. I always enjoyed talking to him, of course he was the "sober" one. Just remember all the good times and take it one day at a time.
Carole Klagos
KS
Kathy Seymour
Other •
David was the "older brother" of one of my best friends, Carol. I can still see the two of them walking to and from school carrying those heavy instruments! Sincere sympathy to Carol and family and Cedric and family.
Kathy Dreyer Seymour