David J. Martinson

David’s Livestream Service will begin at 10 a.m. CT on Saturday, May 1, 2021. 1. Scroll down to the Events, under the Livestream Service click on “Watch Event.” or 2. Click on Tribute wall (above) and select “Watch Now.” MADISON - David James “Dave” Martinson, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the Marshfield Medical Center in northern Wisconsin, with his loving family at his side. David exited this world following a memorable weekend at his favorite place, the family cottage in Minocqua, Wis., which is exactly what he would have wanted. David was born on Dec. 12, 1935, in Madison, Wis., to Bertha and Amos Martinson. A lifelong resident of Madison, David attended Madison East High School, where he met his future wife, Sally Ann (Schluter). After graduating in 1953, David worked at Gardner Bakery to support his growing family. He and Sally welcomed Pam (Parker) into the world in 1956 and Lisa (Seversin) in 1959. David later went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962. He was a long-time fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and held season football tickets through several decades of up-and-down seasons, highlighted by his trip to the Rose Bowl win in 1994. David returned to his high school alma mater, Madison East, where he taught social studies for 32 ½ years until his retirement in 1995. The friendships and memories that David established at Madison East lasted far beyond his retirement and meant a great deal to him. Additionally, he left a lasting impact on generations of students and always took tremendous pride in shaping young minds. In 1987, David and Sally purchased a cottage on Booth Lake in Minocqua and this very quickly became a special place for the entire family. David’s favorite activities at the cottage included reading books, going for boat rides, listening to Frank Sinatra, drinking martinis, smoking cigars, playing the “Celebrity Name Game” around the campfire, and most of all, enjoying time with loved ones. Noted for his storytelling, David wrote multiple books about his life, including one about his experiences at the cottage titled “A Man, A Lake, and His Cabin,” and another about his childhood called “A Boy and His Times.” David was extremely devoted to his family and always seemed happiest when everyone was together, regardless of the occasion. Whether that was accompanying Lisa and her family to Disney World, chaperoning Pam’s student groups to France, or attending the countless activities of his grandchildren, being there for his family was always the cornerstone of his life experiences. David was viewed as the patriarch of the entire extended Martinson family and enjoyed playing the role of travel agent for a multitude of family vacations. After Sally passed away in 1988, David began a relationship with the second great love of his life, Virginia (aka Ginny), whom he married in 1993. David and Ginny enjoyed many amazing adventures together, including frequent trips, picnics, bike rides, cross-country skiing outings, concerts, and of course, visits to the cottage. In recent years, as his physical health began to deteriorate, Ginny served as David’s primary caretaker, unselfishly devoting countless hours to ensuring his quality of life, for which David’s family is eternally grateful. David is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Virginia (née Wagner); daughters, Pam (Jeff) Parker of Minocqua and Lisa (Mike) Seversin of Madison; stepdaughters, Debbie Fields and Mary Hustedt; siblings, Barbara (Larry) Dopkins and Daniel (Kathleen); sister-in-law, Dolly (Chuck) Emerson; grandchildren, Justin Parker, Jeremy (Elise) Parker and Stefanie (Nick) Westfall; step-grandchildren, Miranda, Evelyn, Sam and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Nora, Calvin, Gavin, Leo and Isaiah; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sally Ann; mother, Bertha; father, Amos; mother-in-law, Gladys (aka GG) (Ernie) Schluter and Welcome (Howard) Wagner; brother, Robert; brothers-in-law, Marshall Schluter and Steve Wagner; and grandson, Ryan Seversin. A funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021, with the Rev. Michael Brown presiding. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, 150 people are allowed into the church. Social distancing and face masks are required. A graveside service will follow at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021. Social distancing and face masks are required. Another visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorial donations may be gifted in David’s name to the Bethel Lutheran Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. David's favorite poem, which he often quoted, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.” Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420