David Gill

David Gill

July 07, 1965 - June 14, 2026

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Obituary

David James Gill passed away with grace and dignity on June 14, 2026, secondary to metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. 

Dave was born on July 7, 1965, to James and Suzanne (Tetzlaff) Gill. Dave spent his whole life in Madison but preferred the great outdoors. Dave's passion for the outdoors was second to none except for his family. Dave grew up hunting, fishing and trapping. However, waterfowl hunting was his favorite especially with his sons, friends and beloved dogs Memphis and Emma. 

Dave met Sara on Tuesday October 15, 1996, and Tuesday was their favorite day. They married August 19th, 2000, and remained committed in love, trust and happiness through health and illness. Dave blessed Sara with his sons Ryan and Jeffrey.

Our hearts are broken. However, the love you shared with us is always and forever.

We love you, Dave. From Sara, Ryan ( Ashley Drake and Brantley), Jeffrey ( wife Rachel); beloved grandchildren, Blakeleigh and Bentley; father, Jim; brother, Dan(Kris Fahlgren); sister-in-law,  Laurel Gretebeck; brother-in-law, Mark Halverson; nephews, Joshua, Max, Kevin (Katherine); nieces, Erica ( David),  Hannah (John),  Kassel (Taylor); Aunt Lynn; Uncle Mike and Aunt Terri; the Ericksons; cousins, Debbie, Vicky and Mark; great nephews and niece; brothers, Brian and Kirk; dear friends Donna, Donna, Gary, Mark and Joanne (for helping raise our pets), Maggie, Jerry, Joe, Jim and the entire Waunakee Gun Club,  our South Dakota family, Kansas Doug and so, so many more. 

Dave was preceded in death by his mom Sue, in laws Delbert and Gloria Halverson, Grandpa and Grandma Gill, Grandpa and Grandma Tetzlaff, Jeanne Halverson and Mark Gretebeck.

Thank you for loving my Gillbilly.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00PM NOON on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. A visitation will be held from 11:00AM until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to the Waunakee Gun Club, Special Olympics, UW Carbone Center and Agrace. To view his obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257

Events

27
Visitation
Sat Jun 27, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Get Directions
27
Memorial Service
Sat Jun 27, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Get Directions

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Memories

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David
EF
Elisa Derickson | Krueger Family
Friend •
Dave was such a good neighbor on Coolidge St. I remember his ever-present smile and easy laugh. Boys, know that Dave talked about you with pride to everyone. Sara, I wish you two had 30 more years together -- your love had so much friendship and humor in it.
TS
Todd Stormer
Friend •
My sincere condolences go out to Sara and the boys. I was lucky enough to call Dave a friend for many years and will greatly miss his genuine personality and humbleness. From shooting sporting clays, to ice fishing or playing cribbage I carry many fond memories with Dave. Gonna miss you buddy! Todd Stormer and family.
KH
Kris Heinemann
Family •
It’s hard to leave just one memory of Dave! There are so many as I was lucky enough to be a part of Dave’s life since I was 5 years old. Growing up together there were so many camping trips (every weekend), canoeing down the Kickapoo, fishing, tubing, trip to Canada, many trips to the cabin and just plain hanging out on the Bluff when our parents were playing cards! Dane remained ‘family’ even after we moved to South Dakota. And then he blessed us by bringing Sara into our lives! To say I will miss him is an understatement! I have been so blessed just to have him in my life! Much love, prayers and hugs to Sara and the rest of the Gill family
RW
Rob & Holly Wright
Friend •
Hard to imagine the Waunakee Gun Club without Gillbilly because he was a friend to everyone that walked in the door. Our thoughts are with you Sara, the boys and the whole Gill family.
DK
Darlene Kohn
Coworker •
Sara,I am so sorry on the loss of Dave. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Darlene Kohn
CT
Craig Trautmab
Friend •
Sara I would like to thank you for loving and taking care of Dave. The picture of the hen turkey with a beard was named Bearded Betty. Named by Dave. She still walks today.

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