David Carl Jefferson

Madison -- David Carl Jefferson, age 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at HospiceCare Inc. in Fitchburg after a long battle with lung cancer. His son and daughter were by his side when the Lord called him home.

David was born on October 9, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio the son of E.L. and Freida (Roth) Jefferson. Along with younger sister Patricia, the Jefferson family moved to Madison in 1948 in pursuit of the family fire extinguisher & safety business E.L. Jefferson & Son., now known as Jefferson Fire & Safety, Inc. which is located in Middleton, Wis. David expanded the business into fire department supplies during his tenure and found great joy working with local fire chiefs.

David enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and just spending time outdoors. He loved watching and listening to birds, and knew many of their calls. He was a bit of a history buff when it came to the Civil War and World War II, and found special interest in World War II aircraft. David served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict. He was proficient in woodworking, and his specialties included birdhouses and duck decoys. After retiring, David pursued other interests which included driving blood for the American Red Cross, and working estate sales for Bethel Lutheran Church. Know as a regular at DeForest Family Restaurant, and C's by morning: and Rex's Innkeeper, and Toby's by night; he valued the many meaningful friendships he formed with staff and patrons.

Dad enjoyed the simple things in life and taught us the meaning of honesty and integrity. He is proceeded in death by his wife of 46 years, Bett Lorraine Mohr. He will be missed by his son Peter (Beth) Jefferson, and grandchildren, Tyler and Ryan of Fitchburg; daughter Susan (Brad) Duncan, and grandchildren, Meredith and Natalie of Louisville, Kentucky; and his sister Patricia Bruden of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison with Rev. Curtis P. Everson presiding. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to HospiceCare Inc., or Bethel Lutheran Church. We are sincerely grateful to our immediate family and new friends, old friends, new neighbors and old neighbors who have surrounded us with their love and prayers. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the HospiceCare Center and their ""Angels"" who helped us manage this most difficult time in our lives. In addition, we would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Toby Campbell and the University of Wisconsin Oncology Clinic.