As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
On November 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, David W. Wilson lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison, WI.
Born on November 16, 1955, in Detroit, MI, David (son of Joan and Bill Wilson) lived a life full of love, kindness, curiosity, and wonder. He attended Michigan Tech, where he met the love of his life, Mary (Daughter of Angela and Irving Karry). They married in 1982 and raised three beautiful children, Shannon, Kristin (Jason) and Kevin (Emily). Their family has since grown to include two incredible grandchildren Angela and Gabriel.
Dave’s strength of character and thoughtfulness made him an extraordinary spouse, father and coworker. He and Mary raised their family with a focus on being kind, laughing often and playing games at the kitchen table. Dave was the dad who flooded the front yard in winter to make a skating rink, lugged ski equipment up to the chalet for a fun day on the slopes and drove hundreds of miles on family road trips.
He dedicated his life to caring for the world, pursuing a career in forestry. A true to life Smokey Bear, Dave helped develop systems to prevent forest fires while working for the Department of the Interior. His work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs included writing a program to help prevent clear cutting in forests on reservation land. His career took him from Michigan to Wisconsin, Colorado, and finally to Washington, D.C., where he reached the pinnacle of his career as the Acting Deputy Director of the National Forest Service. Dave’s calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure made him a great colleague and a joy to work with.
Outside of work, Dave found joy in many hobbies and adventures, from skiing and road trips to his lifelong love of model trains (a passion that began as a child with his father and continued with his children and grandchildren). He and Mary enjoyed going on day hikes through national parks and taking several trips to experience the world, including a train trip through Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
Though Dave may no longer be with us physically, his memory will live on in everyone who knew him. His spirit and love will remain a canopy over us all, like the tallest trees he swore to protect. An exceptional husband, father and grandfather, Dave will be missed by many.
Services were held at St. Ignatius in Houghton, MI, on Friday, November 7, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Agrace Hospice Care, so their wonderful team can continue providing the same compassionate care they gave to Dave.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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