Edward Daub

Reverend Dr. Edward E. Daub

Madison - Edward Eugene Daub, age 91, passed away at his home in Madison on Thursday, December 3. He was born in Milwaukee to Guido and Pauline Daub on May 17, 1924. He graduated from North Division High School. He earned a B.S. (1945) and M.S. (1947), both in chemical engineering at UW-Madison and served in the U.S. Navy through the V-12 program.

Feeling that engineering was not the answer to the world's problems, on the advice of friend and mentor Rev. Cecil Lower, Ed enrolled at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. While at Union, Ed met his future wife, Elizabeth "Liba" Sullivan, a graduate of Wellesley College and Biblical Studies student. They were married on Aug. 20,1949 in Arlington, Va.

During the 1950's, the couple engaged in missionary work in Japan, during the recovery from World War II. This included extensive language study followed by work in Japanese churches and Christian schools. Ed was invited to teach chemical engineering in Japanese at Doshisha University in Kyoto. This time in Japan was instrumental in determining Ed's future career choices. While in Japan, Ed and Liba and their children reconnected with Liba's upbringing in Shanghai China through spending summers at Liba's family's vacation cottage at Lake Nojiri, a summer home that allowed a respite for the Sullivan family from summers in Shanghai.

After ten years in Japan, the family returned to Madison where Ed pursued graduate work in History of Science, earning his PhD in 1966. Ed then served on the faculty of the Department of History at the University of Kansas before returning to UW-Madison in 1971 to develop a liberal arts program and courses on Technical Japanese for scientists and engineers. The Technical Japanese program that Ed started is still growing under the leadership of one of Ed's former students, Professor James Davis and is used by universities and companies around the country.

Ed was a man with many interests. He was lead cheerleader at UW during his undergraduate years. As an ordained minister he performed weddings and baptisms. He was an actor, appearing in productions such as "Diary of Anne Frank," "A Doll's House," and "Our Town." He was a bread baker, bike-rider, tennis and bridge player, tutor for middle-school students and avid gardener. He followed the Packers, the Brewers and the Bucks with devotion. He relished his daily beer. He enjoyed spending time with Liba and the extended family at their cabin in Waushara County where he developed a passion for nature study. He was always excited to spend time with his grandchildren and came up with many amusing activities during their visits to Madison.

Ed was predeceased by his parents Guido and Pauline Daub of Milwaukee, his siblings Guido Daub of Albuquerque, NM, Gertrude Bergner and Pauline Kasper, both of Greendale, WI, and his parents-in-law, Philip and Bess Sullivan of Arlington, VA. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sullivan Daub (Liba) and his five children: Philip Sullivan Daub of Madison, Margaret Elizabeth Daub (John Chisnell) of Raleigh, NC, Edward Christopher Daub (Amy Reynolds) of Parkersburg, WV, Eric MacDonald Daub (Dale Koike) of Austin, TX and Gretchen Martha Daub Westman of Durham, NC, as well as by nine grandchildren: Robin and Peter Chisnell, Katie, Julie and Teddy Daub, Laura, Megan and Clay Westman, and Tatiana Koike.

The family is grateful to the Senior Helpers and Agrace Hospice Care for the wonderful care they gave Ed, enabling him to stay at home throughout his illness.

A Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Road on Saturday, January 16 at 2 PM, conducted by the Reverend Kathleen Owens.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434