David Bruce Brunson

Dr. David Bruce Brunson, 1950–2026

Dr. David Bruce Brunson, 76, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on September 5, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on June 14, 1950, in Clovis, New Mexico, David earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Master of Science (MS) from the University of Minnesota. A pioneer in veterinary anesthesiology, he was among the first veterinary professors at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, spending 24 years shaping the school during its founding era. His clinical expertise in anesthesia spanned more than four decades, during which he cared for domestic, exotic, and wild animals—including horses, lions, walruses, whales, giraffes, mountain lions, and polar bears. He regularly helped zoos and wildlife organizations solve anesthesia challenges, lending his expertise and developing specialized techniques and equipment. David found purpose in teaching veterinary students and mentoring veterinarians across the world, with a particular passion for advancing the field of pain management. He was known for his calm, steady presence in the most difficult of cases, a source of reassurance to everyone around him.

Outside of work and family, David's curiosity showed up in everything he did. He was an avid woodworker and carver, crafting handmade toddler rocking horses and intricate carvings that became treasured keepsakes for family and friends. He loved playing the violin, riding his bicycle, playing hockey, and boating on Lake Waubesa. Whether he was creating, fixing, or figuring out how something worked, David was happiest tackling a problem — especially when he could share the result with someone he loved.

Above all, David was devoted to his family, sharing nearly 53 years of marriage with his wife, Marilynn (Olson). At home, he was a present and caring father—supporting his children's pursuits, sharing his gift for storytelling, and always ready to pass on valuable life skills and lessons. He loved sharing his passion for animals with his family, once building a ventilator for a walrus together with his daughter. A second-generation Eagle Scout, David passed that love of the outdoors down through Scouting to both of his sons — continuing a tradition spanning three generations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Bruce and Ester Leone (Seaton) Brunson, and his sister, Caroline BadHeartBull.

David is survived by his wife, Marilynn; his children, Andrea (Tom) Ochman, with their children, Liam and Noah; Christopher (Melina) Brunson, with their children, Braden and Declan; and Daniel (Samantha) Brunson, with their children, William and Nathan; his sister, Becky (Gary) Heimark; and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in memory of David be designated to Pancreatic Cancer Research at Mayo Clinic. Family and friends can donate to Mayo Clinic by phone, online or by mail (https://give.mayoclinic.org/designate). The family extends special thanks to Agrace Hospice for their compassionate care.

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