Arthur Dunham

Madison- Arthur (Art) Dunham; a devoted husband, loving father, serviceman, entrepreneur, and public servant; passed away from natural causes in Madison, WI on Monday, October 26, 2009. He was eighty-three, residing in Madison and wintering in Ellenton, Florida with his wife, Claire. The son of Arthur Francis Dunham and Anna (Kerns) Dunham, Art was born on December 7, 1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fittingly, Art was known as Wink. He had a distinct glimmer in his eye, whenever he enacted that magical gesture. In July 1945, Art was married to and is survived by Claire (Fraser) Dunham, his wife of 64 years. He served in the U. S. Navy, graduating from the Naval School on the UW campus and defending his country in WWII on the U. S. S. Knox, as a Radioman, First Class. After the war, he used those talents to open his own television repair shop below Victor Music in Madison. He lost the business to a large fire on State Street in the early 60s. Art became a public servant in 1966 as a deputy sheriff, primarily as a bailiff for Dane County, WI. In his spare time, Art founded Dunham Delivery Service; today, thriving nationally as Dunham Express. Art retired from County service in 1982 and later sold his business to spend time with Claire. Art was active in politics, including running for Alderperson on Madisons north side. He spent many years as a supporter, friend, and bailiff for Dane County Judge William D. Byrne. Art is a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. Art was a builder and a grower, not only of families and businesses, but also model planes, boats, woodworking crafts, roses, and gardens. During his active years, his favorite leisure activities included golf and visiting the horse races. Art and Claire had three sons: Michael Arthur (1946), Robert Arthur (1951), and David Michael Dunham (1954). Michael passed away at four years of age. David passed away two months prior to Art. Art is survived by Davids wife, Deb (Bardon) Dunham, his son, Robert Dunham and wife Dwan, and grandson Jeremy Dunham and his expecting wife, Elizabeth (McCown) Dunham. Art is also survived by: his sister, Eileen Atchley and her son, James Lloyd; his niece, Rosemary (Kurt) Smith and their son, Cameron; his nephew, Dr. James (Penny) Oliver and children William, Steven, and Devon; and niece Kerry (Tom) Salmon and son, Chris Hansen.Given Arts caring nature, once he had touched your life, he secured a chamber of love, lasting forever in your heart. He and Claire endured much heartbreak in their lives yet always found ways to help others. Visitation is at Gunderson Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Dr., Monona, WI on Friday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 AM. Funeral services follow at Noon. Interment follows at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 402 Femrite Dr., Madison, WI. Cemetery: Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 402 Femrite Dr., Madison, WI. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009.