David "Dave" Loftus

BROOKLYN - David "Dave" Loftus, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Born and raised in Stoughton, Wis., Dave lived there until 1992 before moving to a home in rural Brooklyn, Wis., where he spent his later years surrounded by family and friends.

Dave was a dedicated family man, survived by his loving wife, Diane (Wedel) Loftus; daughters Theresa "Tess" (Jamison) Henning and Karla (Loftus) Mulcahy; stepdaughter, Brenda O’Kroley; grandchildren, Emma (Henning) (Sean) Roche, Otto Henning, Melvin Mulcahy, Aubrey O’Kroley and Ethan O’Kroley; and great-granddaughter, Josephine Roche. He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris (Trow) Loftus; his father, Melvin Loftus; sister, Doreen Loftus; and stepson, Matthew O’Kroley.

A hardworking and reliable professional, Dave managed the appliance and electronics departments at Kmart in Madison, a place fondly remembered by many for visits and Icee slushies. He later held managerial roles at Abbott Plastics, Midland Plastics, Kleen Aire Corporation and York Factory Direct HVAC supplies, where his expertise in HVAC parts and equipment was highly valued by many in the industry.

Beyond his career, Dave was involved in his church and cherished spending time outdoors. He enjoyed fishing trips with friends and balanced his full-time work with farming corn and tobacco. Known for his helpful nature, he often worked on tractors in his shop and assisted neighborhood kids with prepping their old cars for the demolition derby.

Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, whose warmth and dedication left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Oregon, Wis.

He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for his kindness, hard work and the love he shared with his family. Dave was also known as a good listener, always ready to lend an ear to those around him. He had a playful side too, often being a bit of an imp when it came to teasing his friends, bringing laughter and light-hearted moments to many. He was one of the most patient people. He never raised his voice or lost his cool. Dave also enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races with his wife, Diane. They loved camping in their travel trailer with friends, spending evenings playing cards and sitting around the fire, visiting the sites across the country most recently in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and cherishing those simple moments together.  

A funeral service will be held at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 143 Washington St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, with the Rev. Jeff Hendrix presiding. Burial will be held at Lutheran East Cemetery in Stoughton. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

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

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515