Dr. Cunningham

Dr. Milfred Allen "Mel" Cunningham, 86, of Madison, died of stroke after what was to have been a routine procedure, on 8 February 2018. He was our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and his absence leaves a gigantic hole in all of our lives. He was a kind and humble man who cared deeply about people, but devoted his life's efforts and love especially to his family. He took time from his busy schedule to take his family on many camping, canoeing, biking and rafting adventures. He supported and delighted in each endeavor and loved hearing about the details, small and large, of our lives. Through his determined effort to switch to a low fat, plant based diet and lose weight later in life he reversed his Type II diabetes, as well as heart and kidney disease. He was a voracious reader, especially of biographies, and an artist of great talent, though it was seldom on display. He also loved nature, woodworking, healing his patients and motorcycling on the backroads and byways. After his daughter bought a farm in 1996 he collected antique Ford 8N tractors and used them to mow extensive trails, which delighted all visitors. He had a keen intellect, sense of adventure, and great curiosity.

Mel was born in 1931 in Rockbridge, Wisconsin, and eventually moved with his family to Richland Center, where he met his future wife, Mary Louise Sholtes, when they were both sixteen. After graduating from high school, he attended UW Wisconsin - Madison. He interrupted his studies for a stint in the US Air Force. He and Mary were married in Madison in 1953 before he shipped to his assignment in France. Mary joined him there for a year, and their first child, Cynthia, was born during that time. Once back in the US, he and Mary settled in Madison, where he continued his studies and completed his medical training, eventually specializing in Orthopedic Surgery. He joined the Quisling Clinic group in 1966 - where he remained in practice for the duration of his medical career - and performed surgery at Madison General Hospital. In the later years of his practice he added the rural communities of Richland Center and Hillsboro to his surgical and clinic work. He deeply touched the lives of many people who came to him for medical care. In 1965 he and Mary purchased a lot in the Arboretum neighborhood. With the help of renowned architect Herb Fritz Jr., he and Mary designed their dream home, based on an octagon, with no right angles. He lived there with Mary until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary; daughters Cynthia (Jody) Baxter; Tanya (Neil Robinson) Cunningham; Leslie Cunningham; son John (Amy) Cunningham; grandchildren Danu (Jordan) Schoeck and Atea Baxter; Jake Robinson; Meghan, Jack, Ellie and Brynn Cunningham; and great-grandchildren Austin and Jayda Schoeck. He is predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Mildred (née Sharp) Cunningham, and siblings Anna, Earl, and Rodney.

No service is planned. Condolences and remembrances can be shared on the Cress website at https://www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituaries/ To contact the family directly: baxter.cynthia@gmail.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 E. Washington Avenue, Madison
608-249-6666