David Kleist

Kleist, David R. MADISON David R. "Big Brown" Kleist, age 56, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, at St. Marys Hospital, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 4, 1951, in Madison, the son of Glenn and Maida (Sperstad) Kleist. David graduated from Madison LaFollette High School in 1969. He was united in marriage to Connie Nelson on Sept. 9, 1972, in Madison. David was a concrete construction worker, employed by Steel Forms and Badger Concrete until his illness. He is a retired member of the Carpenters Union. David loved fishing and hunting in Northern Wisconsin, and was an avid Packers and Badgers fan. He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Melissa (Robert) Sohacki; son, Roger (Kelly); a granddaughter, Genevieve; two brothers, Wayne (Ann) and Keith; mother-in-law, Joyce Nelson; and two brothers-in-law, Frank (Becky) Nelson and Ron (Kris) Nelson. David was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Gary. A Memorial Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, with the Rev. Jeff VandenHeuvel presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. Special thank you to St. Marys Hospital MICU staff for their wonderful care and support. David was loved by all who knew him and he will be deeply missed along with his "kisses".