Leonard R. Davidson

Leonard R. Davidson, age 91, of Middleton passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2009, at HospiceCare, Inc. in Fitchburg surrounded by his family. Leonard was born on July 22, 1918, in Amaranth, Manitoba, Canada, to Earl and Anna Davidson. At age six, he moved with his family to Wisconsin and settled on the northeast side of Madison. He attended Emerson Elementary School and Madison East High School. In December 1947, he married Louise Brockman at the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wonewoc, WI. They raised three children and were blessed with 61 years of marriage. In 1941, he enlisted in the Army serving in Iran, Africa, Germany, France, and Italy. Because of his love of music, he joined the Ground Forces Band, 128^th Infantry Regiment, and played alto sax and clarinet with the Tent City Swingsters, entertaining the troops in the Officers Club. He was honorably discharged in April 1946. Upon his discharge from the Army, Leonard returned to Madison and continued playing in several local bands while receiving training as an apprentice carpenter. He worked with several local contractors building houses and apartment complexes until 1964 when he was hired by the University of Wisconsin Physical Plant. Leonard worked as a cabinet maker at the UW Hospital and was instrumental in designing the model room for the new UW Hospital. He retired in 1982 after 18-1/2 years of service. Leonard was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #314 and enjoyed playing cribbage, fishing, bowling, and camping. Leonard is survived by his wife, Louise, their three children, Lynette (Ron) Byrnes of Waunakee; Larry (Jean) Davidson of Middleton; and Lon of Madison; four grandchildren, Patrick and Stephanie Byrnes, Kathryn Davidson, and William Davidson; two great-grandchildren, Riley and Logan Byrnes, two sister-in-laws, Dorothy Roth and Eleanor Brockman, a brother-in-law, Everette Brockman, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Evelyn Hackbart and an infant sister; two brothers, Gerald and Vernon Davidson; his brother-in-law, Vernon Hackbart, and two grandchildren, Kelly Byrnes and Elena Davidson. A full military service will be held at the Roselawn Memorial Park and Chapel on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Burial to immediately follow at the Roselawn Memorial Park cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q in Waunakee on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. -- 7:00 p.m. and then again at the Roselawn Memorial Park and Chapel from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare, Inc., Care Wisconsin, and the Middleton Senior Center for their care and support.