David Mergen

Madison - David Edward Mergen, age 80, of Madison, passed away on January 17, 2013.
Dave was born in Bloomington, Wis. on June 11, 1932. He remained dedicated to his Grant County roots throughout his lifetime. He graduated from Fennimore high school in 1950, and entered the Air Force, serving his country from 1952-1956. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville with his degree in Education, and later completed the Graduate School of Banking through the University of Wisconsin School of Business.
He married Doris Mae Richards of Platteville, on February 15, 1958 and together with their faith and through music they shared 54 wonderful years together.
After an early career in radio and television broadcasting, Dave joined Hilldale State Bank, a small community bank that ultimately grew to become the M&I Bank of Hilldale. Dave served as president of M&I Bank of Hilldale, and retired as the Chairman of the Board of M&I Madison Bank. Even after retirement, he remained active in the Madison area business community serving as a consultant and mentor for many small business ventures and non-profit groups.
Dave was dedicated to the community in which he lived and worked. He touched many lives. His contributions were numerous and significant - especially for St. Vincent de Paul and Our Lady Queen of Peace church and school. He was an avid Badger and Packer fan and an active member of the Madison Sports Hall of Fame organization.
Dave's was a life well lived. He treasured his family and friends - whether it was fishing, singing, or card playing - it was the camaraderie which he enjoyed most - jokes told, wisdom shared, and the occasional fish caught. Young children were mesmerized by his magic trick.
Dave is survived by his wife Doris (nee Richards); daughter, Julie Schumacher (Dave); son, Shawn (Christene); daughter, Amy (Paul Waitrovich); and son, Nathan (Michelle); and his five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jack, Isabella, Andrew and Samuel. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Pat Venteicher (Dick) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Kay Brunoehler (Ron) of Mendota, Ill.; his wife's family, Ann Hauser (Roger), Ted Richards (Sande), Mark Richards (Juliette), Phil Richards (Donna) and Chris Yingling (John); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lula (nee Walz) Mergen; and his two brothers James and Richard.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, WI 53711. A visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady Queen of Peace School Endowment Fund ( www.qopc.org ) or the Catholic Multi-Cultural Center of Madison ( www.cmctoday.org ).

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
Emerson, Ralph Waldo