BLACK EARTH - David Joseph Dybdahl Sr., of Black Earth, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare.

David was born on June 24, 1931, to Joseph and Viola (Gulson) Dybdahl in the Vermont Township home where his mother had also been born. He graduated from Black Earth High School in 1949 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he participated in the ROTC program. After graduation, he served his country in Korea as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was later promoted to First Lieutenant for his expertise in loading military ships, a skill this Vermont Township farm boy developed through his ROTC training.

David began his career as a high school teacher in Richland Center before spending more than two decades as Administrator of the Dane County Hospital and Home in Verona, retiring after a distinguished career in public service.

David was married to Donna Lea Hayes Dybdahl for 49 years. Following retirement, they built a beautiful home in the rolling hills of Vermont Township, where he enjoyed golfing, singing, playing the piano, and remaining connected to the community he loved throughout his life. His dedication to his hometown extended beyond enjoying its beauty. He served the Town as a council member, giving back to the community that had shaped his life from the very beginning. He was a thoughtful and engaged member of the Planning Commission, where he was known for his willingness to share his perspective, and thoughtfully consider the issues before him. His strong convictions and independent spirit sometimes led to lively discussions, reflecting his deep commitment to the community and his desire to help shape its future.

David will be remembered for his remarkable memory and his ability to recall poems, hymns, and songs from years long past. Even in his later years, his gift for remembering people, stories, and cherished moments remained a source of delight. Family, friends, caregivers, and healthcare staff often remarked-with admiration and a smile-at how vividly he could recall events and conversations from decades earlier, even from childhood. His entertaining stories, shared with warmth, humor, and remarkable detail, brought joy to those around him and kept treasured memories alive.

Music was one of his lifelong passions. He began singing as a young child and continued singing bass in church choirs well into his later years. He also performed in a folk trio founded by his younger brother, Philip, and traveled internationally with the Madison Diocesan Choir. As a child, he learned to play the trombone through the Black Earth public school system and continued playing with community bands throughout his adult life. He also loved the piano, which he played from an early age until just a few weeks before his passing, delighting family and friends with his music. His love of music became one of the greatest gifts he passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Another lifelong passion was bird hunting. His perfect day ended pheasant hunting in the Mazomanie Marsh with his German Shorthaired Pointer, especially when there was an inch and a half of fresh tracking snow and shooting hours were drawing to a close. One of his greatest joys was introducing his grandchildren to the sport and helping them learn to break clay pigeons with a shotgun.

David is survived by his children, David (Cindy) Dybdahl Jr. of Middleton, Naomi (Fyli) Sissoko of Atlanta, Ga., Paul (Jill) Dybdahl of Black Earth, and Sarah (John) Laurent of Middleton; his sister-in-law, Audrey Dybdahl of Madison; 11 grandchildren, Laura, Joseph (Callie), Erin (Grant), Anna, Angela (Brota), Kari (Nicholas), Stuart (Krista), Grant (Cooper), Jacob (Sophie), Mark and Maria; and nine great-grandchildren, Aryia, Lela, Clayton, Addison, Finn, Rosanna, Ella, Abraham and Charles. He is also survived by Donna's children, Dwayne (Roxanne) Garfoot Jr., Steve (Colanda) Garfoot and Michael (Marie) Garfoot; as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and of whom he was immensely proud.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna Lea Hayes Dybdahl; his sister, Joan Dybdahl Goderstad; his brother-in-law, Richard Goderstad; and his brother, Philip Dybdahl.

He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his love of music and the outdoors, his commitment to public service, and the kindness and generosity he shared with all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched.

A funeral service celebrating David's life will be held at VERMONT LUTHERAN CHURCH, 9886 Vermont Church Road, Black Earth, at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026. The church held a special place in David's heart, as it was where he was baptized, confirmed, and remained a lifelong member of the congregation that helped shape his life.

Visitation will be held at Vermont Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Burial will be held at Vermont Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Black Earth
Funeral & Cremation Care
1710 Center St.
(608) 767-3684

David Joseph Dybdahl Sr.

June 24, 1931 - July 05, 2026

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