Madison - David Lewke, age 85, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. The cause of death was cancer. David was born in Columbus, Wisconsin on February 5, 1941, to Clara and Walter Lewke. He attended Sunnyslope School, a one room grade school near the home farm. David graduated Columbus High School in 1958 and then graduated with a BS degree from the College of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1962.

During the Vietnam War, Sgt. Lewke served two years active duty, followed by four years reserve duty in the US Army. Upon his discharge, he returned to the Madison area and began a thirty-eight year employment with Oscar Mayer and Company.

His first two years with Oscar Mayer were at the Davenport, Iowa plant. From there David was transferred to the Oscar Mayer plant in Chicago. After five years he was transferred to the Madison plant and then to the Oscar Mayer Corporate Office. During his career David worked in Product Development, Quality Control, and Research. He finished his career as Corporate Manager, Vendor Quality Evaluation. David enjoyed his work and the many people he worked with at Oscar Mayer.

After retirement, David participated in many activities. He had an interest in genealogy and was very proud of his German heritage. David traveled extensively and visited dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. He was an avid fisherman and took many trips to Canada and spent a large portion of the summer months at his lake cottage in Mt. Morris, Wisconsin. David enjoyed hunting and target shooting and was a life member of the NRA. He was an active member of the University Wisconsin Alumni Association and supported his beloved Badgers in sports. Winter months found him enrolled in many senior learning courses. David was a member of the Sun Prairie Lions Club and served in various capacities in the Cherokee Garden Condominium Association. He was also a proud member of Bethel Lutheran Church and served as president of the Christian Men’s Fellowship for many years.

His greatest source of enjoyment was his family. David was very proud of all of the accomplishments of his children.

David is survived by three daughters, Lisa (Doug) Rogers of Prairie Du Chien, WI, Christine (Mark) Ziemann of McFarland, WI, Tracey (Sam) Srenaski of Rosemount, MN, and a son Mark (April) Lewke of Lino Lakes, MN. He loved being with his grandchildren: Bronwynn Ziemann, Quinn Ziemann, Noah Srenaski, Dylan Srenaski, Katie Rogers, Nicholas Lewke, Maxwell Lewke, and Samuel Lewke. Also surviving David is his brother-in-law Carl Powell of New Berlin, WI and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at church. A private family burial for David will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Columbus, WI next to his parents.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

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

David Lewke

February 05, 1941 - September 25, 2026

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