David Watermann
December 11, 1947 - November 14, 2025
Obituary
David Ralph Watermann, 77, of Montello, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at WM. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born December 11, 1947, in Bartlett, Illinois, the beloved son of Ralph Watermann and Bernice Klein.
David graduated from Elgin High School in 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1967 and received an honorable discharge in December of 1968. During his time in the Army, David served in the 1st Infantry Division as a mortar man during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions during the Tet Offensive. Other commendations he received were the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. A proud Army veteran, he exemplified the virtues of service and commitment throughout his life.
David earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Elgin Community College and devoted his career to the field of mechanical engineering, contributing his expertise with dedication and skill. David started working at Hansen Plastics in Elgin, Illinois in January of 1979. He later became the CEO and led the company until his retirement in 2010. David married Patricia Corbin on March 3, 1984. David loved to fly and even built his own airplane. He enjoyed hosting friends and family for parties at his home. He was also a huge hockey fan and enjoyed playing and watching whenever he could.
David is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (née Corbin) Watermann; children, Anna (Mark) Dennis and Justin (Kelsey) Watermann; grandchildren, Adalynn and Hayden; siblings, Jetta Gill and Robert Watermann. David’s memory will be cherished by family and friends alike.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Bernice.
A Celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in David's name to the WM S Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, Donate Here. To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250
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Memories
BF
Badger Honor Flight
Friend •
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of David Watermann. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
M
Mike
Friend •
Mike Raddatz, Thank you Dave for being my friend. I enjoyed playing shuffel board, pool. golfing with you. I will miss you. Love ya Man. Mike
J
Jordan
Friend •
Some of the best life advice I ever got was from Dave while playing poker with him and his family. Thank you for always making me feel welcomed in your home, and for the wise words that I always took to heart. May you rest in peace.
JL
James Lipski
Friend •
Thank you Dave for some great memories. May you rest in peace. Jim Lipski