Daniel Hudson

Hudson, Daniel S.

Middleton / Lodi:  Daniel S. Hudson, age 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Agrace Hospice Center on February 14, 2023.

Born March 20, 1958, to Robert and Beverly Hudson, Dan grew up in Middleton, Wisconsin with his three sisters (Sheryl, Mary, and Judy) and two brothers (Robert and David). Together, they became involved in the community and were long-time members of the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Dan, at the age of 13, immediately started working by detailing cars and in the service department under his father at the family Ford Dealership that was established by his grandfather in 1945. Alongside his father and two brothers, he grew to learn all ends of the automotive industry and became Vice President/Co-Owner. His contributions were many, but notably his intuition and insight during the design of the new Middleton Ford Service & Quick Lane was invaluable to the new dealership’s success. Other Dealers came to study and replicate the design and flow that Dan implemented and was awarded from Ford Motor Company for his ingenuity and design. In his later career, Dan continued his successful leadership at Home Depot by becoming a top sales manager. Together with his sales guru and long-term friend, he earned many rewards of excellence. Dan enjoyed being a likeable leader with a go-getter persona that incorporated humor into his intrinsic nature as an exceled project manager.

Dan married Judy (Gambon) Hudson in fall of 1987 and together they had two children: Jacque and John. Dan quickly became a mentor for them in all aspects of life, helping them succeed in education from their revered universities. Dan always provided a welcome place to visit for friends of the family and was fond of his backyard pool parties and cookouts. Dan continued to support his children by giving business advice as they grew into their careers and always provided a warm home to come visit.

Dan was also known as a memorable coach dedicating his spare time to his son’s basketball and baseball teams for many years. To this day, he still has past teammates reminisce about the overall enjoyment he brought to the games.

Dan was an avid fisherman and lover of the outdoors and nature. Netting a 55” Musky and the same 54” Northern Pike, twice, was a popular story to tell. His favorite of them all was Lake Katherine (Minocqua), where he would take his family and dogs on many fishing trips over the years. Later in life, Dan would frequently be found exploring the woods and trails in the Lake Wisconsin area, where he later resided. On one of his hiking ventures Dan met his companion, Lynn Schumacher, whom they both enjoyed the outdoors together.

Dan was a man who had many adventures and instilled this in his children. He was known as a guide to many friends and family for various hikes and sights to see across Wisconsin’s vast nature. How to create the perfect fire, navigate without a GPS, and win every time at cribbage are things he will pass on to future generations.

If you knew Dan, even for a brief moment, you got to experience his sharp wit and essential humor. He was a welcoming person, that would put you at ease with a hilarious joke or telling a fun story. Dan’s most admirable quality however was his strength. Dan outshined any doctor’s expectations with dealing with his heart condition for over 19 years. He inspired many to keep pushing forward and no one can deny his determination to persevere through any recovery or timeline.

Thank you to the outstanding team at UW-Hospital for helping Dan through the years to be able to continue to do the things he loves and much appreciation to the kind nurses at Agrace Hospice Center for treating our dad like one of their own.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday February 20, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church; 602 Everglade Dr (Madison) with a visitation from 12:30 pm until the time of Mass at the Church.

Please join the family for a celebratory reception in honor of Dan’s life that is open to all friends and family at Café Hollander; 701 Hilldale Way (Madison) from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

You were a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. A fisherman, ‘pirate’, coach, and a good friend to many. But mostly you were always our dad. Dan impacted many, and his memory will carry on. We love you and you will be deeply missed.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406