LODI - Chad Michael Davidson, age 39, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Chad was born on September 11, 1985, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis. He was the only child of Sandy (Daveler) and Steve Davidson. Chad lived in the Lodi area for the majority of his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He truly enjoyed those activities and the friendships he made. But it was his passion for racing where he truly excelled. Starting at a very young age, Chad was running go-cart circuits at several Wisconsin tracks where he posted many race wins and championships. Before he was even old enough to think about legally driving a car on the streets, Chad, along with some close family and friends, were chasing his dream around the midwestern states in his Allison Legacy Series racecar. It was in this phase of his life where we truly saw the rising star that was forming. Chad often took the lead on rounding up car sponsors, color schemes and laying out the graphics. He honed his driving style, learned patience behind the wheel and crafted the art of getting the feeling of a good-handling vs. a great-handling racecar. With guidance from his ever-supporting father, they would collaborate after each practice session and race, to see which component needed to be changed and which one would be left alone. Chad took home Rookie of the Year honors in 2001 and won the Championship in 2002. Because of that success, he was able to move up to the Late-Model division at our local Wisconsin tracks. Though his passion for racing was still evident, his desire to stay focused on his dream faltered.

Chad worked in the construction and carpentry field for years. He also worked alongside his Dad on mechanical jobs and did those very well. Chad had a contagious smile, infectious laugh and lots of charm. Wherever the stories were being told, Chad was doing the telling. The taller the tale, the more convincing he could be. He was the life of the party and the comedian with the jokes. This made him some great friends over the years. He thought that alcohol made his life better in a lot of ways and that turned into a constant, daily battle that silently overtook his existence. Our persistent cries for treatment would only be met with his prideful push-back, fully knowing that one day, he would realize that we only kept pushing because of the love we had for him.

Chad is survived by his parents, Sandy and Steve of Lodi; his partner, Jessica Owen and their dog, Lizzie Mae; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends including Keith (Sandra) Davidson, Jerry Davidson, Eugene and Karen Davidson, Dennis (Kim) Davidson, John and Glenda Daveler, Candy Purcell (Phillip), Pam and Bill Bradley and Mike and Christi Daveler; cousins, Michelle, Michael and Stephanie, Dan and Courtney, Keith, Shelby, Tami, Marcis and Sarah, Justin and Samantha, BillyJo, Tina, Cindi, Jim, Hunter, Jennifer and Aaron. Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lucius and Norma Davidson, Clara Belle “Terry” Daveler and Earl Daveler; aunt, Donna Davidson; and cousin, Angie.

We would like to thank Jess Owen and Tina Wipperfurth for their unwavering commitment to Chad and our family during his final days. We also want to thank the outstanding staff at UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital who saw to it that Chad passed with dignity.

Chad was one of those people who touched many lives and left lasting impressions wherever he went. Even after his passing, Chad was able to save lives through the gift of organ donation. He made so many friends throughout his racing connections, dart and pool leagues or watching his Ohio State games over the years. So, the next time you gather after your favorite sporting event, think of Chad.

A memorial service will be held at Gunderson Lodi Funeral AND Cremation Care, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would suggest a gift to the Pacific Garden Mission, 1458 S. Canal St., Chicago, IL 60607 or Teen Challenge of Wisconsin, 727 N. 31st St., Milwaukee, WI 53208 to pay it forward to others who are struggling with addiction. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Chad Michael Davidson

September 11, 1985 - August 26, 2025

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