David "Smiley" Dean Ihland

David "Smiley" Dean Ihland

October 09, 1937 - July 22, 2025

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Obituary

DEFOREST - David “Smiley” Dean Ihland, age 87, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the family farm following an illness. David was born at home on October 9, 1937, to Ove and Stella (Stiemke) Ihland in the Township of Windsor, Wis. He graduated from DeForest High School in 1955 and married Diane Quamme on November 12, 1960, at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church in Keyeser, where they remained life-long members.


After graduation, Smiley served in the U.S. Army for three years. Upon returning home, he completed an apprenticeship in the ceramic tile setting trade and worked in that profession for 44 years. He was a volunteer on the DeForest Windsor Fire & EMS for 20 years. Smiley enjoyed softball, hunting, fishing, traveling, dancing, going out to eat, and spending time with family and friends.


Smiley is survived by his wife of 64 years, Diane; daughters, Laurel (Douglas) Tjugum and Nancy (Daniel) Benisch; grandchildren, Stephanie (Robert) Laidlow, Danielle Ihland (Jose Cacauha), Melanie Benisch, Michael “Scooby” Ihland (Sheena) and Connor Tjugum; great-grandchildren, Giovanni, Leonardo and Alanzo Cacauha, Stella Ihland, and Eli and Abby Laidlow; sisters, Shirley Bostad, RuthAnn (Jerry) Dobbs and Gwen Peirce; sister-in-law, Barb Quamme; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Dean Ihland; daughter-in-law, Terri Ihland; parents, Ove and Stella Ihland; in-laws, Russell and Dorothy Quamme; brother, Wayne Ihland; brothers-in-law, Mickey Bostad, Jim Peirce, Russell Quamme, Roger Quamme and Lyle Quamme; sisters-in-law, Audrey Ihland and Gary Quamme; and infant, Beverly Quamme.


A funeral service will be held at SPRING PRAIRIE LUTHERAN CHURCH, N509 County Road C, DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with Pastor Rick Bursh presiding. Burial will take place at Spring Prairie Lutheran Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2025, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.


Memorials may be made to Spring Prairie Lutheran Church or DeForest Windsor Fire & EMS. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420


Events

28
Visitation
Mon Jul 28, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Spring Prairie Lutheran Church • N509 County Rd. C, DeForest, WI null
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29
Visitation
Tue Jul 29, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Spring Prairie Lutheran Church • N509 County Rd. C, DeForest, WI null
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29
Funeral Service
Tue Jul 29, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Spring Prairie Lutheran Church • N509 County Rd. C, DeForest, WI null
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29
Graveside Service
Tue Jul 29, 2025 @ 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM CDT
Spring Prairie Lutheran Cemetery • County Rd C & County Rd DM, Keyeser, WI 53911
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29
Luncheon After Burial
Tue Jul 29, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Spring Prairie Lutheran Church • N509 County Rd. C, DeForest, WI null
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Memories

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Bob Briggs
Other •
For the last twenty years I've been blessed to have Smiley as a dear friend. I will forever miss the laughter, fun, music and Old Fashions we shared together. Things will not be the same without him. Bob Briggs
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Mary Siebert
Other •
Laurie and Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I have many fond memories of him. Mary Salzwedel Siebert
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Gwen Peirce
Other •
Oh the many fun times we had together growing up! Our years of gardening up until a couple years ago! We had that tomato canning down to a t!! He still called me his baby sister even at my age! He will be so missed by so many people. I'm sure he will be doing some fishing in the big house. Rest in peace my big brother!!
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Missy McCorison
Other •
To my Ihland family - my heart hurts with the passing of Grandpa Smiley. I do, however, find comfort in his heavenly reunion with his family, especially Dean and Terry. Smiley was always so fun to be around and talk to. We always had some interesting and funny conversations. Whenever I would see him, he'd always hug me and tell me how grateful he and Di were that I remained close with Danielle and Michael after Dean and Terry's passing. My response, each and every time, was that I wouldn't have it any other way. Grandpa will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him, including me. The vision of his smile when I think of him is forever etched in my head, and that I am forever grateful for. Sending my deepest sympathy and love to everyone. Rest in heaven, Grandpa.
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Sharon Davis
Other •
Smiley was definitely one of a kind with a big heart. To know him was to love him.We will miss him at the Steak Frys and that big smile of his.RIP❤️ Don and Sharon
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Jeff and Janie Alsmo
Other •
He has been a great neighbor for 20+ years. He and Diane are very dear to our hearts. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and helpful advice. He is dearly missed. Condolences to all who miss him.

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