David R. Greunke

David (Dave) Richard Greunke, age 73, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. A memorial service will be held at a later date, with burial at Brooklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Marshfield, WI.

Dave was born October 29, 1951, to Richard and Ardis (Freeck) Greunke in Marshfield, WI. He received his elementary education at Sunshine School, a one-room schoolhouse in Milladore. Dave graduated from Auburndale High School in 1969.

When Dave was born, his parents lived and worked at his grandfather’s cheese factory, Brookside Cheese in Milladore. As a boy, he helped on his father’s mink ranch. His dad later bought the Maple Grove Cheese factory in Milladore, and Dave and his siblings helped the family in making cheese there. The boys hauled milk from farms to the factory in 10-gallon cans at that time, and they spent a lot of time working with their dad in the factory before and after school making cheddar cheese in open vats. The values of responsibility, commitment, and strong work ethic were instilled in Dave at a young age.

Dave was very involved in extracurricular activities during high school, including music (band and choir), Student Council, National Honor Society, track, drama, and photo club. Dave attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He played trombone in the UW Marching Band. Dave expressed a lifelong love for the Madison area. He worked in technology application at Nicolet Instrument Corporation and as a network specialist at TDS Telecom, retiring in 2018.

Dave enjoyed photography, computers, good food and conversation, and traveling to visit friends and family. He was interested in Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, classical and folk music, movies, and aviation - he earned his pilot’s license in early adulthood. Dave was a lifelong learner, often reading and watching shows about woodworking, photography, and cooking before starting new projects.

When his large extended family (eight siblings and their families, plus occasional uncles, aunts, and cousins) gathered for holidays and special occasions at his parents’ cheese factory, Dave often acted as the family photographer. He also collected and digitally archived various family members’ memories from their old 35mm slides and photos. Dave enjoyed photo editing, and he demonstrated care to his family by making and sending personalized photo cards for birthdays and special occasions.

Dave was a welcoming host when family visited Madison. He was quick to share from his extensive collection of CDs and movies with others who were interested. He enjoyed closeness with his sister, Sara’s, family in Madison. Dave was a doting uncle to his young nieces in Madison, and he excitedly supported them and their interests by attending their many events over the years.

Dave’s presence always added interest and special energy to family gatherings at the factory, be it conversations about computers, wine, cheese, politics, or family memories. Dave brought tasty pies from Madison to share at meals. He was a proud and unwavering supporter of Greunke's Maple Grove Cheese Inc., regularly sharing their Facebook posts and encouraging his friends near and far to order Greunke Cheese via the mail.

Dave was loyal, respectfully opinionated, intelligent, a self-initiator, curious, kind, and generous. He will be fondly remembered and missed by those who knew him.

Dave is survived by his brothers Steven Greunke, Mitchell (Carolyn) Greunke, Scott Greunke, Alan (Joan) Greunke; and his sisters Rosanne Greunke, Sandra (Doug) Keuntjes, Kathryn Greunke, and Sara (Gary) Moses. He is further survived by cousins, seventeen nieces and nephews, twelve great-nieces and -nephews, and long-time friends. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ardis Greunke, and sister-in-law, Cindy Greunke.

Thank you to the staff at UW Hospital, Brookdale Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for the compassionate care given to Dave.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to PBS Wisconsin, Habitat for Humanity, or the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.