Madison - David H. Niemann, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on Sept. 28, 1932, in Madison, the son of Robert and Blanche Niemann.

David is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Niemann; children, Teresa (Tim) Hamacher, Susan (Donny) Kilen and Mike (Tom Joyce) Niemann; grandchildren, Natalie Hamacher, Abigail Kilen, Stefanie Hamacher and Mason Kilen; great-grandson, Carter Kilen-Long. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Joseph who died at infancy yet he still felt a strong connection with him throughout his entire life; brothers, Robert Niemann, Walter Fischer and Duane Fischer; sister, Charline (Sheldon) Pollow; sister-in-law, Coletta Niemann; and granddaughter, Brittany Niemann Hamacher.

David attended St. Bernard’s Grade School and graduated from Madison East High School.

David was appointed as deputy sheriff by Sheriff Franz G. Haas in November of 1955. At the time of his appointment, he was employed as a photographer for the Wisconsin State Journal. In 1955 David took his first assignment as the 4-12 radio dispatcher. At that time the sheriff’s office was located in the jail at the corner of Henry and W. Main Street and their living quarters were attached to the jail.

During Sheriffs Haas' first term he vacated the living quarters to provide office space for the sheriff’s office. In 1959 David was assigned as K-9 deputy with his partner, "Hector," the first official K-9 in the State of Wisconsin. In 1963, David was assigned to Juvenile Detention and in 1970 he was promoted to Evidence Technician.

In 1971 he was promoted to Captain of Internal Operations Division with areas of responsibility including, records, laboratory, crime scene investigation and communications. In 1984 he was assigned to Administrative Staff Services with areas of responsibility including training, recruiting, budgeting and assisting the Sheriff and Chief Deputy. In 1987 he returned to Support Services with added responsibilities including vehicles and equipment civil process, clerical staffing, records, laboratory, crime scene investigation, and communications including the implementation of 911 emergency telephone number for Dane County.

David graduated from Keeler Polygraph Institute, Chicago in 1963 as a polygraph examiner. He served as a member of the Madison City Council, Alderman Ward 16 from 1969-1970.

David graduated from Institute of Applied Science, Chicago as a latent fingerprint examiner / expert between 1969-1971. He was a member of Wisconsin Association for Identification Member International Association for Identification. In 1973 he graduated from Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville, Ky.

On May 29, 1988, David retired after 32 ½ years of service with the sheriff’s office.

David was kind, caring, humble and a great listener. He was a man of few words and many actions. A man who made everyone in his presence feel warm, welcomed and loved. The Christmas season was an important part of his life a legacy he carried on from his father. When asked by Agrace if he could choose one word to describe his life he said, “Love.”

A celebration of life will be held at his son Mike’s house in Janesville, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

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

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

David H Nieman

September 28, 1932 - December 17, 2022

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