David N Saunders

Dave Saunders, age 62, entered peacefully into eternal life on January 11, 2017, in the arms of his loving family. He was born on June 29, 1954 to Richard and Patricia (Joyner) Saunders. Dave was married to the love of his life, Lynn Mandt on November 23, 1974 and deeply appreciated and cherished every moment with his loving family. Dave and Lynn filled their 42 years of marriage with many family celebrations, special times at their family cabin in Phillips, as well as family camping trips. They loved traveling to Arizona and California, where Dave loved spending time with his sister-in-laws, Pat and Donna and their families. Dave was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed his time hunting and fishing with his son, nephews and twin brother, Don. Watching his son, Kris, shoot his first deer was one of his proudest moments. Dave had a special bond with his grandson (aka "superhero") Jaden. Dave enjoyed biking, fishing, hiking and watching him play sports, especially basketball and football. One of his life's highlights was watching his grandson's team win the state football championship at Camp Randall in 2013. Dave was extremely dedicated and hard-working. He retired from Gardners Bakery after 30 years of service and was appreciated and loved by many. Dave is survived by his wife, Lynn; daughter, Kari Saunders of Madison; son, Kristopher (Cheryl) Saunders of Poynette; grandson, Jaden Gault (UW-Madison); father, Richard Saunders (Jackie) of Madison; siblings, Pam Saunders of Marshall, Dick Saunders of Madison, twin brother Don Saunders (Eileen) of Edgerton, Dale Saunders (Linda) of Edgerton and Beth Saunders (Phil) of Marshall; mother-in-law, Delores White of Cottage Grove; sister-in-laws, Pat (Tom) Cefalu of Larkspur, California, Donna (Rick) Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona and Carol Mandt of Cottage Grove; nieces and nephews, Brandon, Josh (Sharon), Jeremy, Heather (John), Lisa (Salil), Stacey, Danielle, Brianna (Alex), Kaya (Dan), Joey (Alex), Ryan (Danielle) and Michael; great nieces and nephews: Austin and Logan, Maddie and Gavin, Layla and Collin, Carter and Walker. Dave leaves behind the many feathered friends that brought him daily joy at his feeders, as well as his beloved dog, Roxie, who was always by his side. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Saunders and infant brother, Daniel. The family would like to express their gratitude to Peg Morse and Chelsea Werning for the care and friendship they provided to Dave and Lynn over the past few months. A special thank you to Dr. David Ringdahl of DeForest for the compassion and care that he provided Dave throughout the years. Thank you, also, to all of the staff at Divine Savior Home Health, Heartland Hospice and the team of doctors from UW Hospital. Dave was always able to see the positive in every situation and in every person that he met. He may be gone, but will forever be in our hearts. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420