David C. Higgins

David C. Higgins

August 27, 1948 - June 24, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - David Charles Higgins, age 76, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1948, in Chicago, Ill., the son of John and Betty (Dillon) Higgins.

 

David grew up in Chicago, graduating from Providence St. Mel High School, then attended Purdue University, studying Sociology and Math. After college, David drove a West Lafayette city bus; as fate would have it, he met the love of his life, Victoria Karlov, on his route. The couple moved to Madison and wed in 1979. Soon after, David began his life-long career as a General Manager at Great Big Pictures. He was proud of the commercial and museum projects his company completed, and enjoyed the wonderful people he worked with at GBP.

 

David was a sports enthusiast who cheered for the Boilermakers, the Cubs and the Chicago Bears (even when they disappointed him!) He found community on the softball field and volleyball court, sharing his love of the sport with his daughters. David loved fishing, fast cars, good food, live music, good movies, pets and fun times with friends and family. He was an incredible ‘Girl Dad’ and proud Feminist. David went by many names, Davy, Prince, Dada, Cha-Cha to name a few. It was his title of “Bumpa” that brought the deepest twinkle to his eye. He will be deeply missed.

 

David is survived by his wife, Sandra (Godding); daughters, Chelsea (Patrick) Fait and Alison (Dan) Demp; grandchildren, Harrison and Natalie Fait; brother, Dennis (Trina) Higgins; his dear sister-in-law, Judi Karlov; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Higgins; and his late wife, Victoria Karlov.

 

A celebration of life to honor David, will be held with a reception on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 4:00pm until 6:00 pm at THE EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Dr., Madison. Memorials may be made to Second Harvest Food Pantry.  


~So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending! ~ J. R. R. Tolkien


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

 

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

27
Celebration of Life
Wed Aug 27, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
East Side Club • 3735 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53714
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David
AH
A Memorial Tree was planted for David Charles Higgins
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
MH
Michael Haeger
Other •
Great person . Pleasure working with and a better friend . Raise a tree , and a glass in memory
MH
Michael Haeger
Other •
Condolences to all . This is a big loss for all who knew him , but more and better memories
BC
Bill Chandler
Other •
It does not seem so long ago that GBP was a small photo shop in downtown Madison, Wi. David was an essential part of the company. So many adventures! So many memories! He will be missed.
MH
Matt Higgins
Other •
Uncle David I am really going to miss you. I feel we really started connecting in my adult life, not as nephew and uncle, but as men and there’s never enough time for all the conversations left to have. Chelsea, Ali, Sandy, and everyone who knew this great force of a man, I’m so sorry for your loss, for our loss. Matt
GS
Gary Stout
Other •
RIP David. Lots of memories. You will be missed.

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