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David Winden
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BLANCHARDVILLE - David Winden passed away on Nov 12, 2015 at the age of 68 years old after a courageous 18 month battle against pancreatic cancer. He was born on March 2nd, 1947 near Daleyville, the son of Lloyd and Ruth (Swiggum) Winden. After four years they moved to the family farm on Yankee Hollow Road, Blanchardville WI. David graduated from Blanchardville High School in 1965.

David married his soulmate, Dolores Ganser, on November 11, 1972. They shared their life together as companions. David was happiest on the farm with his wife by his side. His final tribute to Dolores was to reach the milestone of 43 beautiful years together. During those years, they were blessed with three children in which David exemplified the balance of hard work, laughter, and love.

Daily life for David consisted of farming the land for which he referred to during his final days as "the most beautiful farm in Green County". Long, hard-working days devoted to his cows and land were followed by evenings of family time; whether playing games of Big Bad Wolf, making popcorn, or unwinding in a lawn chair. As the kids grew, David supported their interests and their many athletic and academic endeavors. He was never too tired to spend quality time with his family.

In 2001, David sold his beloved cows. He worked for the New Glarus School District as a custodian for ten years. It was also during this time that his workshop became a haven of peace and creativity while working with wood. As he listened to Cash, Monroe and Bluegrass favorites, his strong hands crafted beautiful pieces of rustic furniture. He enjoyed selling and socializing at art fairs, but it was a labor of love when he built for family. The shop became a gathering place for the family; a fire was stoked, peanuts were shelled, and memories were made.

As a grandpa, David, experienced a whole new level of love and happiness with his grandchildren. Each grandchild was blessed with a precious relationship. Walks over the hill, truck rides, feeding the cattle, watermelon, peanuts, four wheeler rides, fishing, yard games, stories, jokes, coloring books, popcorn on the stove, and non-stop laughter were David's Heaven on Earth. His love knew no boundaries.

David was a man of faith. He was a humble servant of God as displayed by the way he lived his life. As a lifelong member of Adams Lutheran Church he most recently served on the church council. He was a loyal son and brother, an admired uncle, a respected and fair-dealing neighbor. His devotion to his work, wife, and family will continue to inspire his children, grandchildren, and many others. It was easy to be drawn to David. Conversation, understanding, and wit came easy for him. He was one-of-a-kind.

The disease took a toll. David never lost his unique sense of humor, his graciousness, his will to make every moment count. His unwavering love motivated him to fight to the very end. David's legacy is far more precious and powerful than his loss.

David is survived by his wife Dolores, children Rebecca and Brent Sagedal, Jeffrey and Tricia Winden, and daughter Diane and Scott Schneider. He is lovingly survived by 8 grandchildren; Ty, Hunter, Jack, Brenna Sagedal, Clara and Connor Winden, Ella and Rylee Schneider. He was the cherished brother of Sylvia and Rick Batchelder, Luther Winden and John Ruhl, Dawn Winden and Jim Roberts, Elaine and Chris DeVito, Sylvan and Sarah Winden, and Debra Winden. He was the dear brother-in-law of Mary Kroda, Kathy and Martin Ballweg, Marvin and Eileen Ganser, Jerry and Bonnie Ganser, Ginny and Bob Joyes, Don Leonard, John Ganser, Joe Ganser and Jeannie Welch, and Dan and Kris Ganser David is further survived by many nieces and nephews and countless memorable friends and neighbors.

He was preceded by his parents, infant sister Laura, brother Raymond Winden, in-laws Joe Kroda, Dorothy Leonard, and Laura Ganser.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16, 2015 at the Adams Lutheran Church, N7148 County Rd. A., Argyle, WI with burial in the church cemetery.

A gathering of family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Adams Lutheran Church. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 at the church.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

Memorials will be designated to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Adams Lutheran Church.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Mark Gedden, UW-Madison Hospital, and the Monroe Clinic Hospice, and Pastor Rick Fry for their care and compassion during this difficult time. Sincere gratitude to the many family members, friends, and neighbors who did so much, in so many ways, to help us over the past 18 months. We thank you with all our hearts.

Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.bealfuneralhomes.com.