David Lee "Smokey" Pulsfus

David Lee “Smokey” Pulsfus, age 81, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 with family by his side. 

David was born in Lodi on July 31, 1943 to the late Edwin K. and Dorothy I. (Babcock) Pulsfus. David was united in marriage to Carol S. Nelson on May 2, 1964 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison.

He joined Labor Union 464 in July of 1965 and was employed through various contractors throughout the United States until his retirement in 2001. At a time during his career, he became an LTE employee for the Department of Natural Resources and worked at Mirror Lake State Park. This was where he obtained the nickname, “Smokey” and “Smokey the Bear” which instantly stuck. 

Smokey and Carol and a large group of friends participated in Rendezvous around the state from 1988 to 1995. Cherished memories were made during this time together. Following his father’s footsteps, he and his brother enjoyed trapping minks and muskrats for many years around Lodi. Smokey was also an avid fisherman and held a guide license for several years until Parkinson’s disease progressed making boat trips impossible. 

Most precious to him was spending time with his family. His grandkids were especially a big part of his life, camping, fishing, and spending time on the farm. 

Smokey will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Carol; son Edwin (Sue); grandsons: Kenny and Hayden (Mercer) Pulsfus, Sean (Erin) Brennum, Christopher Brennum (Michelle Ullman); great-granddaughter, Ola Brennum; sister, Shirley Stoltenberg; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ernest (Betty); brother-in-law, Harold Stoltenberg; and nephew, Daniel Stoltenberg. 

A Celebration of Smokey’s Life with food and refreshments will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Arlington Community Center, 200 Commercial Street, Arlington, WI 53911 from 1 p.m. until 4 pm. 

The family extends a very special thank you to the staff of Waunakee Valley and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate care. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the WI Parkinson’s Association, https://wiparkinson.org/ or Agrace HospiceCare, https://www.agrace.org/.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513