David Black

David Black

October 24, 1955 - February 13, 2022

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Obituary

MADISON/LAKE MILLS - David Black, age 66, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. He was born on Oct. 24, 1955, in Bloomington, Ind., the son of William and June (Mathewson) Black. He was united in marriage to Kari Black on May 17, 1997.


Dave graduated from Athens High School in Athens, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Army and earned a specialty as a medic. Dave was stationed in Germany for two years and was honorably discharged in 1978, earning The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service for his contributions aiding in the success of his battalion medical platoon.  


He received his bachelor’s degree from Portland State University, master’s degree from San Francisco State University and a second master’s degree from UW-Madison. Through Dave’s hard work and dedication, he was the founding general manager of the UW-Madison student radio station, WSUM, and was instrumental in cultivating what it is recognized as today.


In addition to his passion for the student radio station, he was deeply committed to his work as a facilitator for the Institute for Healing of Racism in Madison, an active member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and Wisconsin College Broadcasters.

In his personal life, Dave had a love for dogs. His first canine companion was a Basenji, Teakwood, who inspired him to rescue a Basenji mix, Diesel, later in life. This special relationship with Diesel propelled him to work with rescue organizations. He adored his most recent rescue pups, Diesel, Millie, and Chloe.


Dave had a special ability to make everyone feel loved by him and said ‘I love you’ every day. His bear hugs, infectious and resounding laugh, and wit will be missed forever more. We love you very much.


Dave is survived by his wife, Kari; son, Dan (Jen) Lutz; daughter, Stephanie (Nick) Haen; grandchildren, Josie and Cameron Haen, and Noah, Landon and Emma Lutz; brother, Greg (Ginny) Black; four brothers-in-law, Dave (Sue Levy) Mortensen, Kevin (Jeanine) Zwart, Mike (Holly Lamers) Zwart and Mark (Sue) Zwart; sister-in-law, Amie (Mark Meyskens) Zwart; many nieces, nephews and loving family.  Dave took his great-nephew, Graecyn Williams-Roeske, under his wing and they were inseparable. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jan Mortensen.


A memorial service will be held at the MEMORIAL UNION, Great Hall, 800 Langdon St., Madison, at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Dave’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com  at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. A celebration of Dave’s life will follow the service at the Memorial Union, Great Hall until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022.


Memorials may be gifted in Dave’s name to: The Basenji Rescue and Transport (basenjirescue.org) or UW Foundation WSUM Fund (supportuw.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


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Deirdre Green
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David was my brother in law and was a good friend to me during and after he and my sister divorced. In my early 20s, I was kind of a mess - David helped me out in more than one crisis. One such incident I remember vividly, as Dave was literally the only person I could think of to call. My friend Heather, visiting from NY, and I decided to try some “magic” mushrooms; and soon started feeling terrible- imagining all kinds of awful things..the quintessential “bad trip”. I could think of only one person who would understand, wouldn’t judge me and wouldn’t be mad about getting a call at 1 in the morning…David. I still recall the relief I felt as he drove up. He patiently sat with us, reassured us, until the morning. He was one of the kindest, least judgmental people I’ve known. Wherever he is now, I hope he knows how many people loved him.
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Ben Seigel
Other •
Dave is just as genuinely kind and helpful as everyone says. He will be greatly missed.
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yeller s.
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So thankful to Dave for all his efforts in helping to establish and grow WSUM, and allowing me the opportunity to be a part of it.
DC
David and Andrea Crago
Other •
Our hearts go out to the Black family. May God offer Dave rest and loving comfort to Kari and the family. Love, The Crago's
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Sue Robinson
Other •
I have known Dave for more than a decade as I worked with him at the School of Journalism & Mass Communication. I knew him both through his WSUM work -- he was always willing to come in even on a Saturday if we were doing high school student visits - and through his social justice work. I even hired him to come help train a PTO board I was on. He will be missed. My heart goes out to the Black family. May your memories be a blessing to you all.
SC
Sky Z Capriolo
Other •
Dave was such a compassionate teacher in the Journalism program at UW-Madison! I graduated in 1995 and have wonderful memories of his caring ways in our radio class. He is a one-of-a-kind person, surely remembered lovingly by many!

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