David A. Wieckert
August 07, 1931 - May 17, 2020
Obituary
MIDDLETON – David A. Wieckert, age 88, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2020. He was born on Aug. 7, 1931, the son of Walter Hans and Anita (Brockman) Wieckert of Appleton, Wis. David obtained a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1963. The next 33 years were spent as a professor in the Dairy Science Department at the University of Wisconsin, where he taught 10,228 students.
On June 30, 1963, David married Joan (Engle) Wieckert in Abilene, Kan. They met in 1952 when they traveled to Sweden and Denmark, respectively, as International 4-H Youth Exchangees. This interest in people of other nations continued for a lifetime of travel and entertaining internationals in their home.
David received many recognition awards, the most notable being the UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Distinguished Service Award which reads, “An inspirational educator with a passion for dairy cows; an unselfish and frequent host to visitors from around the world; an enthusiastic guide whose patience and inspiration motivates others wIth a love for the dairy industry; an advisor dedicated to enhancing the lives of undergraduate students both in the classroom and with out-of-classroom, often international experiences.” Some of the other recognitions were from Delta Theta Sigma (ag fraternity) and World Dairy Expo. David was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Middleton. Upon retirement, he continued hosting internationals, as well as landscaping at numerous places.
David is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Ward; brother, Walter; and sister-in-law, Betty Wieckert. He was loved and admired by six nephews and seven nieces. David was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernst (Alice) and Carlton; sisters, Marian Pratt and Magauret (John) Wiegand; and sister-in-law, Beverly Wieckert.
A private memorial service will be held. Memorials may be made to the David A. Wieckert Scholarship Fund, UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lock Box 78807, Milwaukee 53278-0807. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
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Memories
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Glen Broderick
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Joan & Ward,
Bonnie & I were shocked when we heard the news of Dave's passing. The biography posted by George Shook mentions Dave having had hundreds of advisees--I was pleased to have been one of them. As well as a great advisor, he was a fine role model for all those students he taught during his career.
The world is poorer for his loss. We will miss him.
Glen & Bonnie Broderick
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Bonnie Cooper
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My deepest sympathy to the Wieckert family on the passing of Dave. I was fortunate to be able to take a couple classes from Dr. Wieckert while at the UW from 1969-73 and have many wonderful memories of those classes, particularly the trip he arranged and took us on to Canada where we visited farms. I had the chance to reconnect with Dr. Wieckert a couple years ago while helping preparing stories for the We Need A Show book on World Dairy Expo where he was most gracious in helping me source international people to talk with for my story. He will be deeply missed by his many students.
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Lawrence Olson
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Larry Olson:
Dr. Wieckert was my advisor and actually got me through a difficult 2 years at the U.W. I was working at home and trying to graduate and he saw to it that I did exactly that. My Daughter Kim and I were his first 2 generation students to have him according to his recollection. He was a mentor as well to me and I will always be thankful for his help. Condolences to his family and friends.
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Chuck and Helen Maulbetsch
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Joan and Ward, our sympathy to you at this difficult time. God Bless, Chuck and Helen Maulbetsch
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Bob Feller
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Mrs. Wieckert and Ward, David made a lasting and positive impact in many lives, including my own as a cub scout leader and father of a good friend. May you find comfort in your memories. You are all in my prayers. Bob Feller
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Cathy Rook
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Everytime Dave would come into his emeritus office, he would always stop to say hello. I got to know him as he brought articles for me to post on the bulletin board in the Dairy Science office on campus. He received many publications and would look for articles and cut them out. I enjoyed his stories and his international visitors. I am glad I had a chance to get to know him. He was a wonderful, caring person.