David J. Guernsey

David John Guernsey, 82, died of heart failure on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 in his home at Madison, Wisconsin.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Irene Mae (Nicholson) Guernsey, who died on July 20, 2004. He is survived by his sons, David John Guernsey II and Daniel Robert Guernsey; his daughter, Debra Sue Guernsey; three grandchildren, Adrianne Guernsey, Jason Guernsey, and David Guernsey III; and six great-grandchildren.

David was born on January 5, 1929 in Platteville Wisconsin, the son of Raymond Guernsey and Helen Laughton. He married Irene Mae Nicholson on January 19, 1951. David served with the Army Corp of Engineers in the early 1950s, and was stationed briefly in Texas and Florida before moving to Madison, where he and Irene lived until their respective deaths. Mr. Guernsey worked as a project engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation from 1953 to 1992, specializing in building roads and bridges. David served with the DOT until his retirement in 1992, and enjoyed his profession very much.

David had a great passion for music, jazz, in particular, and he passed this enthusiasm onto his three children.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 28 at 10:00am at the Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.