MADISON - David A. Kaeding, age 89, of Madison, passed away on January 6, 2026, at Oak Park Place Madison East. Born September 1, 1936, in Fond du Lac, Wis., he was the son of G. Martin and Myrtle (Salter) Kaeding.

After graduating from Fond du Lac Goodrich High School in 1954, David enlisted in the U.S. Army to earn G.I. Bill benefits for college. Because of his athletic skills in a wide range of sports and experience as a youth and YMCA recreation leader in Fond du Lac, he was selected to be a physical education specialist. In that role, he was stationed for nearly three years at the Tripler Army hospital base post gymnasium, Pacific Army Medical Headquarters, Hawaii.

After his Army discharge in 1957, David returned to Wisconsin and enrolled in Wisconsin State College at Oshkosh. As a freshman, he was the youngest candidate in the Fond du Lac City Council primary. During his Oshkosh college years, he met Carol Gregorious at the student union. They wed on August 17, 1963. Married for over 56 years, David and Carol were devoted to each other.

David started working in personnel management for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services right after college, moving multiple times for new responsibilities and as the agency grew. David and Carol moved to Madison after their marriage, where they welcomed their first daughter. They soon moved again for his job. They returned to Madison in 1966 and stayed, later welcoming their second daughter. In the early 1970s, David changed to a position that involved much less travel away from his wife and two daughters.

For many years, David regularly attended used book sale events and maintained a well-organized collection of books of all kinds. After retiring in 1993, he audited a range of UW- Madison classes. He was an avid watcher of news and documentary shows. David and Carol greatly enjoyed spending time with their grandchild.

David is survived by his daughters, Kathy and Patricia; grandchild, Ayo; sister, Joan Kaeding; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Kaeding, Karen Booth and Elizabeth Reinke; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol on January 16, 2020; and his older brother, William Kaeding in November 2025.

No services will be held per David’s wishes. Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

David A. Kaeding

September 01, 1936 - January 06, 2026

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