David F. Kenison

MADISON - David Frederick Kenison, age 79, of Madison, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. He was born on Feb. 7, 1942, in Madison, the son of Clifford "Bud" and Linda (Weiland) Kenison. David graduated from Central High School in 1960 and later studied at The Wisconsin School of Electronics and the University of Wisconsin. He worked for a time for Honeywell in Minneapolis and then Nicolet Instrument in Madison as a developer of computerized biomedical equipment. David was known as a ‘tinkerer.’ He was very curious and analytical, wanting to know how things worked whether it was engines, motors or computers. As a 12-year-old he made a Soap Box Derby-like car powered by a lawn mower engine and he built a tall robot that ‘nods and blinks but does not think,’ as captioned in a Madison public school publication at the time. David’s greatest love was his family and music. He learned to play the accordion as a child and could play a mean ‘Lady of Spain!’ When the Beatles invasion hit the USA in the early 60s, David and his brother, Bob, founded a band called the Gentlemen, an off shoot of the original Shane Todd and the Gentlemen. David, known in the band as the Flea, sang and played bass and loved nothing better than getting the crowd going with his crazy antics! They performed around the Midwest for several years while attending the UW. Some highlights included backing Bobby Goldsboro on a summer tour and opening for the Dave Clark Five at the Coliseum in Madison. As a child, David spent time every summer at his uncle’s farm near Wautoma, Wis. He developed a strong love for country living and eventually bought his own farm in Brooklyn, Wis. He was happiest when he was hosting friends and family at his farm on ‘ant hill’ and serving his homemade bread and pies. He was blessed to have had two wonderful daughters and two precious grandchildren, Phoebe and Ledger. David had a wide, welcoming smile, a sparkle in his eyes and the best onstage grin ever. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. David is survived by his daughters, Cynthiana (Timothy) McEssey and Allison (Zach) Figiel; two grandchildren, Phoebe Figiel and Ledger McEssey; brother, Bob (Bilun) Kenison; niece, Emily Kenison; nephew and namesake David Kenison; and former wife, Katherine Stanback. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. David’s family asks that you be mindful of COVID restrictions and please wear masks and maintain social distancing to protect his young grandchildren and our guests. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or the American Family Children's Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420