David George Hinds

David G. Hinds,  age 79 of Madison, passed away peacefully on  April 12, 2024       at   St. Mary’s Care Center. He was born in Joliet, IL on December 19, 1944 the son of George and Ann (Pavelich) Hinds.

David was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the National Honor Society at Joliet Township High School (Class of 1962). 

David received both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from University of Wisconsin- Madison. In his senior year, David was the Cadet Commander of the Army ROTC Battle Group. In addition, he was designated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant of the US Army Corps of Engineers.  At Fort Belvoir, Washington, D.C, David completed the Engineer Officer Basic Course and the Topographic Engineer Course. He served as an Executive Officer of the 809^th Engineer Company, Karlsruhe, Germany and Company Commander of the 502^nd Engineer Company (Float Bridge) Ettlingen, Germany. Following his active duty service, David commanded Company B (113^th), Engineer Battalion (Float Bridge), Valparaiso, Indiana.

David worked 10 years for the Regional Planning Commissions in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. He was a Charter Member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He joined University of Wisconsin Madison-Extension as an Assistant Professor and Community Development Educator in Sauk, Kenosha and Racine counties.  He was promoted to Professor and named Director of UW-Extension Local Government Center in Madison, WI. David led teams for strategic planning, citizen participation and public policy education among others. David was a member of the University Committee, Faculty Senate and numerous committees of faculty governance. He was a member of Wisconsin Chapter of the Community Development Society and served a term as its president.

In his retirement, David was awarded the rank of Professor Emeritus. He continued working for Extension until 2020.

David was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading history and biographies. In his retirement, he enjoyed studying genealogy and traced his family to the Plymouth Colonies and other historical settlements. In recent years, he and his longtime friend, David Stringham worked together to create detailed Stringham genealogy.

Dave is survived by his wife  Joyce; daughter, Dr. Anne Kilby (Todd Beam); his sister Lorraine Wojciechowski and brother in law Stanley. Also nephew Stephen Wojciechowski (Michelle) and niece Larissa Wojciechowski and grandnephew, Aiden and grandniece, Madeline.  Preceeded in death by his parents, Ann and George Hinds.

A memorial service will be held at Cress Funeral Home, Speedway Dr., Madison, WI  on Saturday, April 20, 2024   at   10:00am visitation  with Mother Bobbi Kraft, St. Francis House, Madison,   WI officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the memorial service. Interment will be held after the service at Forest Hills Cemetery, Speedway Dr., Madison. A luncheon is planned at Cress Funeral Home after the interment. 

Memorials can be made to Wisconsin Public Television, Madison, WI.  The family wishes to thank the staff of SSM St. Mary’s Hospice, especially Sister George Ann, Polly, Anna, Ace and Abby, the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Care Center for the wonderful care and support given to David and his family.