Dr. Fortney

Madison - Dr. Roger David Fortney, age 85, passed away on October 18, 2015 in Madison WI.

Roger, known as "Bud, was born September 15, 1930, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin to Harry and Ella Fortney. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1948 after which he entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he became a jet pilot and served during the Korean War. Upon his honorary discharge in 1955, he returned to Wisconsin where he continued his service to our Country with the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He began his studies at the University of Minnesota Veterinary School in the fall of 1956 where he met his wife, Carol C. Koester.

Prior to finishing Veterinary School in 1960, Roger became a pilot with North Central Airlines. His Veterinary career took him and his growing family to Madison, Wisconsin where he also continued his flying career. Roger was passionate about traffic safety and began his campaign which he called Light Up and Live. In 1966 he was asked to present his material on highway safety to the National Highway Safety and Ordinances Committee in Washington D.C. The Light Up and Live initiative lead to the development of automobiles with the automatic headlight feature.

Roger retired from Northwest Airlines in 1990 and then from his Veterinary Business, Class Biologically Clean in 1998. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Barbara and is survived by his sister, Shirley Adams.

Roger, a devoted husband and father, will be missed by his wife Carol of 58 years; their children, Roberta and husband Tracy Lasecke, Rebecca, David and wife Maria, Karen and her husband David Holland, and his 8 grandchildren, Christian, Jamie, Olivia, Grace, Noah, Serena, Jenna and Eva.

His family wishes to thank Roger's healthcare professionals who provided him with compassionate care over the past few years.

A casual service for Roger will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison on November 8, 2015 at 3 p.m. There will be an opportunity to share memories of Roger during the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation in his memory to Wounded Warriors, or a charity of your choosing.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434