David Edward Dohler

MONONA - David Edward Dohler, age 85, of Monona, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Oakwood Village, Prairie Ridge. He was born August 9, 1938, in Hillsboro, Illinois, the first son of Don and June (Alderson) Dohler and big brother to Dale, 12 years younger. He grew up in Morton, Illinois, where he participated in Boy Scouts, worked at the local Libby’s canning factory most summers and as a mail carrier on school vacations.  Don ran a clock and watch repair business out of his home, so Dave grew up surrounded by clocks and watches and always had many interesting clocks in his own home.

Dave was the first in his family to go to college, earning a full ride scholarship to Purdue University and completing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in engineering management. During his last summer internship in Kokomo, Indiana, Dave met the first love of his life, Nora Jane Hartman. They were married August 26, 1962, and moved together to Endicott, New York, where Dave began his career in the IBM Research Laboratories. They relocated to Monona, Wisconsin, in 1966 to be closer to family in the Midwest. Family ties were important and holidays were always spent with grandparents, siblings and cousins.

Dave spent his career teaching and supporting customers using data processors and, later, personal computers. He saw technology evolve from mainframes and punch cards to the first personal computers and eventually mobile devices. He always appreciated the latest technology or gadget and was a HeathKit fan, building the family television, several radios and a pinball machine.  

Dave loved to garden in all shapes and sizes. He was known for his tomatoes and spicy peppers with always plenty to share with friends, doctors, and neighbors. He was also well acquainted with many vendors as a volunteer with the Madison Farmers’ Market. Dave was an avid photographer and documented holidays, family vacations and special events with thousands of photos. The family tradition after every vacation was an evening slideshow to re-live the memories and places they had visited.

Dave was a musician throughout his life, starting with the accordion band as a young child, moving to piano, and then playing sousaphone with the Purdue Marching Band in college. He sang in the St. Stephen’s choir for more than 50 years and led the committee to bring in the pipe organ. In addition, he sang in the Monona Senior Chorus, the Oakwood Chorus and the Madison Maennerchor. Dave also volunteered his time and talents with other community organizations including Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Madison Friendship Force.

Dave and Jane downsized and moved to Oakwood in 2014. After Jane’s death in 2015, the Oakwood community was there to support him and help him reengage in life. It was there he met the second love of his life, Martha Jo Church. They shared their passions for good food, church, singing, and gardening. They took several trips on their own and with Road Scholars to New Orleans, Scotland, the Canadian Maritime Provinces, Palm Springs and Disney World. Dave learned to love fancy Bloody Marys and enjoyed all the musical performances of Jo’s accomplished grandchildren. During the last months as Dave became ill, Jo was always by his side to see he had the love, care, medicine, and support he needed.

Dave is survived by his children, Denyse (Jeff) Baker, Dorene (Roger) Schink and Daaron (Amy) Dohler; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jackson, Elizabeth, Addison, Katelyn, and Lora; one brother, Dale (Jan) Dohler; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Funeral services will be held at ST. STEPHEN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday.

Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. We would like to thank the staff at Oakwood Village and Senior Helpers for their wonderful support and care during Dave’s final weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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