David Eisele

MADISON-David W. Eisele of Madison, Wisconsin passed away at his home on January 14, 2020 at the age of 93 with family at his side. Dave was born on the first day of Spring, March 20th, 1926 in Madison Wisconsin, the son of Karl and Eleanor (Smithback) Eisele.

Dave graduated from Wisconsin High School in Madison in May of 1944. Immediately after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas as a signalman in the amphibious corps in the Asiatic/Pacific-China theaters of operation. After discharge in 1946, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the GI Bill and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and a lifetime love of Badger football. Dave and Mary Jane Mahlkuch were married in June of 1964. He retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, State Bureau of Procurement in 1992 after 28 years of service as a purchasing manager.

Dave loved the outdoors, and was an avid bird hunter and ethical sportsman.  In his youth he hunted ducks and pheasant in Cherokee Marsh with his father, brother and beagle, Queen. In adulthood he particularly enjoyed hunting trips with his son and nephews to the Mississippi River and Horicon Marsh. He fished on Lake Mendota, in both summer and winter, in an ice shanty he built himself.  Dave had an impressive vegetable garden, planting seeds for tomato plants in the spring to be transplanted when the weather warmed. He kept bee-hives on a farm near Verona, and processed the honey in his basement. Dave was skillful in building and repairing, learning from his own father. Whether it was a building a cottage on Lake Kegonsa or fixing a lawn mower gone awry, Dave was up for any challenge.  Dave had a tender heart, and loved all manner of animals. His dogs were known to get a cone on walks to the ice cream shop, and his cats were a part of the family. He found enjoyment in watching the birds and squirrels that he fed daily out his picture window in later years. Dave was proud of all of his grandchildren.  Stories of their antics and accomplishments always brought a smile to his face.

Dave will be forever loved and missed.

Dave is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Mahlkuch); son Andrew (Lindsay) of Naples, Florida, daughter, Christine (Brian) of Madison, former daughter-in-law, Mary of Indian Shores, Florida; and five grandchildren:  Madeline, Josephine and August Eisele of Naples, Florida, and Oscar and Martha Anderson of Madison. He also leaves behind his beloved nephews, Tim (Madison), Tom (Cincinnati), Ted (Boise), and Mike (Westmont, IL). He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Karl Junior, and nephew Todd Eisele.

A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Dave’s family would like to thank the Agrace hospice staff for their compassionate care and kindness shown to Dave and the entire Eisele family. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Agrace Hospice or the Dane County Humane Society.