David Francis Hults

STOUGHTON-David F. Hults went to be with the Lord, March 15, 2016, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He passed away peacefully at home under the care of Agrace HospiceCare. David was born Dec. 2, 1938, to Palmer & Karisma Hults in LaCrosse, Wis. Karisma later remarried Chuck Mudtzel who Dave considered his father. Dave graduated from East High School in the class of 1958. After high school he attended Madison Business College. He was united in marriage to Pat (Karen Friedland) on May 16, 1964. They had 51 wonderful years together. Dave spent most of his professional life in the automobile business. He first started at Hult Chevrolet as a salesman. From there he went to Green Bay to work with VanBoxtel Ford as a used car manager. For a short period of time he wholesaled cars then went to work with Middleton Motors as a General Manager. His goal was always to have his own dealership by the age of 40. In 1977 he achieved his goal and started Hults Ford Mercury in Stoughton, Wis. Dave's passion to succeed and provide for his family allowed him to expand his dealership to the "Incredible" Hults Chrysler Ford Mercury, Plymouth Dodge Chevy Geo "on the Madison side of beautiful Stoughton". After 23 years Dave was able to sell his dealerships and retire. Dave served in the Air National Guard Reserves. He was a long time member of Christ Lutheran Church, a loyal Badger fan and financial supporter of UW athletics. He enjoyed being very active, was an avid runner and racquetball player. Most recently he enjoyed playing Pickleball & Texas hold'em. Dave and Pat loved to travel, a few of their favorites were Ireland, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado, islands of Hawaii, California and Spain. Dave and Pat owned a beach front condo in San Key, Fla. for 12 years where they enjoyed many good times with family and friends. In 2013 they purchased a second home in Las Vegas, Nev. where they enjoyed spending their winters. He is survived by his wife Pat; son, Brad (Ana); daughter, Chris (Andy) Thompson of Sun Prairie; five grandchildren, Mitch, Matt, Cole, Taylor and Luke; brother; Paul (Jane); sister, Carol Bottoms of Texas; uncle, Emrick (Joyce) Espelien; aunt, Esther Hayes; cousins; brother-in-law, Bill (Merly) Friedland of Mascoutah, Ill.; brother-in-law, Pete (Cathy) Friedland of Madison; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Bob) Lytle of Poynette; and nieces and nephews. Dave had a special place and love in his heart for the family pets. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Carol and father-in-law, Red Friedland; aunt, JoAnn Peterson; and nephew, Greg Schultz and his grandparents, Selma and Eric Espelien. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Hwy 51 N., Stoughton, on Friday, March 18, 2016, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the church on Saturday, March 19, 2016, from noon until 1 p.m. Funeral services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 700 County Rd. B, Stoughton, Wis. at 1 p.m. Immediately following there will be a celebration of Dave's life at the Stoughton Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association or Christ Lutheran Church. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will live forever in our hearts and will be missed dearly. Love you Dave.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson (608)873-4590