David Shanahan

CROSS PLAINS - David Patrick Shanahan, of Cross Plains, Wis., left this world on April 2, 2021, at the age of 41 while on a quest to expand his visual awareness of the world around him in Los Angeles, Calif. David was born on March 17, 1980, in Madison, Wis., to Michael and Christine (Adams) Shanahan. David graduated from Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School in 1994 and then Middleton High School in 1998. He graduated from UW-La Crosse in 2004 with a B.S. in Sports Medicine, Exercise Fitness and Nutrition. After a number of years in the field of athletic training, David returned to school at the University of Arizona to pursue his love and passion for photography, where he earned a B.A. in Fine Arts. David did not have hobbies, as everything he did was a passion or quest, whether it be body building, music, reading or his beloved photography. David was a unique and beautiful man; part artist, part athlete, and part philosopher. Friends and family treasured him for his joyful wit, kindness, and thoughtful perspectives on the world around him. He was blessed with the ability to see and feel things from a special place, a talent that was reflected in his remarkable photography. Now he has moved on to a gentler place full of magnificent views and vistas to delight and expand his sense of vision. David is survived by his parents, Michael and Christine Shanahan; big brother, John W. Shanahan (fiancée Beth Lundberg); his very special niece, Lucy Mae Shanahan; grandparents, Kenneth and Violet Willis; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom he always shared a special bond, if not enough time together. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth and Lucille Shanahan; grandfather, John M. Adams; uncles, Michael L. Adams Sr. and Jeffrey Shanahan; and cousin, Justin L. Adams. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier CATHOLIC Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2021, with Father Scott Jablonski officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Friends and family wishing to attend the Mass via LIVE STREAM may do so by visiting David’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and clicking the Live Webcast link on Saturday at 1 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the St. Francis Xavier Endowment Fund or the St. Francis Orioles football team. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761