MIDDLETON - David Paul Duster, age 76, loving husband to Cathy, proud father of two and grandfather to five, passed away suddenly the morning of September 28, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison. He was born on February 25, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Zita (Ferring) Duster.

Dave graduated from Leo High School in Holy Cross, Iowa and earned his associate’s degree from MATC in Madison, Wis. He married Catherine "Cathy" Nagle on May 12, 1973, and they shared 52 wonderful years together. They decided to move to Wisconsin shortly after they said their vows. In 1978 they welcomed their daughter, Megan and in 1979 their son, Matthew.

Dave was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972 and worked as an air traffic controller. He then went on to be a cement mason foreman for Findorff for 30 years, where he oversaw notable sites in the Madison area, such as The Monona Terrace, The Fluno Center and the beginning stages of Epic.

In both his personal and professional life Dave loved working with his hands. He was an avid believer that if it was a job worth doing it needed to be done right! He spent countless hours in the garden, honing his “Iowa farmboy” skills. After he retired Dave started a vineyard and began fermenting his and Cathy's homegrown fruit and making delicious (and slightly potent) wine. He enjoyed woodworking, and you would usually find him outdoors, often with a K9 companion. Dave was a passionate sports fan. He was active in his kids’ childhood sporting events, coaching leagues and never missed a game or performance. He was always rooting for his favorite teams, which were mainly Wisconsin ones, minus the NFL, where his loyalties lied in Chicago. But most of all, Dave loved his family and was very proud of his grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Megan (Jesse Matz) Duster-Matz; son, Matthew (Rachael) Duster; brothers, George Duster, Joseph (Phyllis) Duster and Dan Duster; grandsons, Henry, Kaden and Victor; and granddaughters, Aimee and Anabel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zita and Leonard; sister, Janice (Carl) Paul; cousin, Jim DeLong Sr.; and grand-nephew, Logan Paul.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 12 noon on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Sunday. A small luncheon will be held after the service. Dave wasn’t a fan of formal attire; the family invites you to attend services in your favorite sports team gear. Even better if it is Badgers attire.

Memorials may be made to National Park Service or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Dave Paul Duster

February 25, 1949 - September 28, 2025

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