David Gregory Reed

David Gregory Reed

March 06, 1958 - December 18, 2024

Send Flowers

Obituary

OREGON - David Gregory “Dave” Reed, age 66, a beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.


Dave was born on March 6, 1958, in Evanston, Ill., to Dr. William and Jeanne (Paden) Reed. He grew up in a large family in Watertown, Wis., alongside five brothers, William (Theresa) Reed, Daniel (Sharon) Reed, Chris (Jeri) Reed, Steve (Marcia) Reed, and Ken (Becky) Reed; and three sisters, Laura (Keith) Reed Blew, Mary Reed, and Sue (Dan) Schroeder. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary.


Summers at Rock Lake in Lake Mills were some of Dave’s happiest times, filled with boating, family, and time spent on the water.


After graduating from Watertown Senior High School in 1976, Dave attended UW-Whitewater and UW-Madison, where he studied theater.


Dave was incredibly smart and endlessly inspiring to those who knew him. He lived with schizophrenia, which impacted parts of his life but never defined him. His determination and perseverance in the face of challenges were extraordinary. Dave’s humor, quick wit, and resilience left a lasting impression on those who knew him.


Dave’s friendships were deeply important to him, and he especially cherished the time he spent at the Clubhouse International in Madison. Among his closest friends were Eric and Tim. Dave enjoyed his family, treasured his friendships, and loved his wife, Jess.


He is survived by his wife, Jess; seven siblings, William, Daniel, Chris, Steve, Ken, Laura and Sue; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who admired his strength and the joy he brought into their lives.


Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Dave’s life at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center, 504 S. Brearly Street, Madison, from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025. A light lunch and refreshments will be served.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dave’s memory to Clubhouse International or the Friends of the Arboretum.


Online condolences may be shared at www.gundersonfh.com


"Dave’s life showed that resilience and love could shine through even the toughest challenges."


Gunderson East

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


Events

23
Celebration of Life
Sun Feb 23, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center • 504 S. Brearly St., Madison, WI 53703
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of David
No photos of David have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
David
TS
Tim Smebak
Other •
Shared many days sailing and boating on rock lake with Dave as well being class mates in school
SC
Sheryl Christian
Other •
Went all through grade school starting at Lincoln School until we graduated from WHS in 1976. He was always a fun and nice person. So sorry for his family’s loss. RIP Dave. 🕊️
JB
Jean Burbach
Other •
So sorry to hear this
DB
Diane Neitzel Butts
Other •
Rest in Peace, Dave. You are gone much too young. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
PC
Poppy Wallman Cooper
Other •
So very sorry about Dave’s passing. He was so sincere, bright, observant, & nice. We met through my neighbor when I was about 13-15, & I liked him right away, thinking he was pretty cool. While I’d not seen him in many years, I always hoped he was doing well. Fun memories in Watertown & Madison of a truly special person..” ♥️ Love to you all.
A
Alexa
Other •
I had the privilege of having Dave as a colleague at Yahara House. He was incredibly kind, smart, and an excellent writer. He will be greatly missed by the YH community!

Share memorial