MADISON - David Susan passed away on July 6, 2026. Pastor Susan’s ministry touched three nations over six decades of following Jesus, who kept leading him to people and places where all could serve together. Growing up Lutheran in several of these United States, David early discerned a call to ministry; in 1971 he completed the path to ordination in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

While singing in the Concordia College Choir, Bronxville, New York, he met Shirley-the “Love” of his life--they were married at Valparaiso University in 1968. After graduation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri and a Fulbright-scholarship in music and theology in Berlin, Germany, David was ordained and served Immanuel, a robust country congregation in Courtland, Minn.

David and Shirley adopted son Mark, who “brought Korea home to us before home moved to Korea.” As a missionary for eight years with the Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK), David taught at Luther Seminary Seoul, adapted music for the LCK’s sung communion liturgy, and assisted with the Korea Luther’s Works project; the Susan family was also blessed by the adoption of daughters, Rebecca and Michelle.

Returning to the United States in 1984, David pastored Immanuel in Madison, Wisconsin, until retirement in 2005. Convinced that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross,” together with laity and colleagues, his Immanuel focus was worship planning and parish nurture. He sang bass with the UW-Madison Choral Union and was active nationally in the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.

In the community, he led a tutor-mentor program at Lowell Elementary School and worked with the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center on development projects. In retirement, David enjoyed cooking and biking. After Shirley retired in 2010 following 19 years as a reading specialist at Cottage Grove School, they have kept busy with children, grandchildren, Samara and Aiden, and countless excellent Madison hiking opportunities.

A memorial service of readings and hymns planned by David will be held at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1021 Spaight St., Madison at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with the Rev. Michael Erdman presiding. A reception with David’s favorite desserts and coffee will follow the service in the Lakeview Room at the church. Burial will take place at Park Cemetery in Marquette, Mich., on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Foundation, 1021 Spaight St., Madison, WI 53703 or to Lutheran World Relief, (https://lwr.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

David J. Susan

October 07, 1945 - July 06, 2026

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