David D. Schwingel

MADISON-David D. Schwingel, age 67, of Madison, left his earthly home for his heavenly home on Friday, June 11, 2010. He was born in Madison, on June 25, 1942, a day that his mother said she had her hospital window open, and could hear lions roaring over at the Henry Vilas Zoo, as she brought her son into the world. It is believed by his family, that he was certainly welcomed into his heavenly home with an even grander roaring of the heavenly choirs, joyously singing, welcoming him home. David graduated from UW-Madison in 1964 with a bachelors degree in geography. After graduation, he joined the U. S. Army and served both as a first and second lieutenant in the Signal Corps in Alaska from 1964 to 1966. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal for serving his country during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he continued to serve his country in the Army Reserve until 1970. He married the love of his life, Grace Taggart, on Oct. 12, 1968. David and Grace spent 34 years together until her untimely passing in October 2004. She was a tremendous source of strength, love, joy and yes, most definitely humor to him, their family and friends. David also worked for many years at Oscar Mayer. Later in life, he worked for Elder Care, a job that he found a great deal of satisfaction in. He enjoyed getting to know and care about people there that he would drive to various places, on a routine basis. David was a very spiritual, quiet and private person. He enjoyed photography, reflective writing, nature and reading. He often spoke quite fondly of his grandmother, Bertha Luraas, and waking to the smell of her homemade cinnamon rolls floating out of her tiny kitchen on the other side of the room that hed stay in, when hed go stay with her and his grandfather. David is survived by his daughters, Anne (James) Ott and Jessica (Steven) Craig; grandchildren, Emily Weisensel, Adam Craig, and Audrey Craig; cousin, Patty (Cliff) Maerz; and many others in the family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fran and Warren Schwingel; his wife, Grace Schwingel; and sister, Mary Ostern. Memorial services will be held at LAKE CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, on Saturday, June 26, 2010, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. John Ruck presiding. Visitation will be at the church from noon until the time of service on Saturday. Interment will be held at Avoca Cemetery. Cemetery: Interment will be held at Avoca Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be at the church from noon until the time of service on Saturday. Service: Memorial services will be held at LAKE CITY CHURCH, 4909 E. Buckeye Road, Madison, on Saturday, June 26, 2010, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. John Ruck presiding.