"Dave, I met your wonderful son the first week of June, 2011. He talks about you often and he sure misses you. I wish I would have had the privilege to meet you. Laura"
In loving memory of
David Bonn Mills
August 4, 1937 - June 27, 2011
Madison/ Black River Falls-David B. Mills, a retired attorney, died Monday, June 27, surrounded by his family. He was 73 and passed away at Meriter Hospital following a brief illness. He will be remembered for his characteristic enthusiasm and dedication to his family, friends and his wide-ranging pursuits.
He tutored children in reading at the Boys & Girls Club. He campaigned on behalf of progressive candidates. He was a regular at University of Wisconsin sporting events, an accomplished golfer and former marathoner and was a lifelong student of architecture and design.
Born to Tom and Betty Mills on Aug. 4, 1937, Dave graduated from high school in Black River Falls in 1955. He played football, basketball and baseball, and ran track, earning an unusual total of 16 letters. He went on to be a point guard at the U.W., where he was awarded a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1959 and a law degree in 1963.
He and his wife Carla, a native of Madison, met at the university and were married on July 14, 1962. Dave served in the Navy for two years, where he wrote wills aboard nuclear submarines and played basketball for the Sublant team.
In 1965 he joined Kopp McKichan and Geyer in Platteville, eventually becoming president of the Grant County Bar Association. In 1972 he went to work for Marshall Erdman & Associates in Madison before being asked to head up the newly formed Wisconsin Bar Foundation, finally spending the majority of his career coordinating Continuing Legal Education for the State Bar.
He and Carla especially loved spending time with their two children: daughter, Marja Mills, Chicago, son, Mark Mills, Minneapolis, and grandsons, Thomas and Andrew Mills, Minneapolis. They gathered frequently at their home in Black River Falls, where Dave's first cousins and their spouses were like siblings to him.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 14, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY MEETING HOUSE, Landmark Auditorium, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison. Cress Funeral Home, www.CressFuneralService.com, is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Black River Falls Area Foundation, P.O. Box 99, Black River Falls, WI 54615.
Tributes
"Dave has been an inspiration of mine for almost 20 years when he was first inspired to remodel homes. He did the most beautiful things to those homes- he was talented in so many areas.. but the thing i'll always carry with me is his excitement, passion and creativity for everything he did before and after ! Carla, you have been his love and support all these years. I wish you peace."
"Hi Carla & Family: We were so sorry to hear of your loss of your husband recently. Thank you to Sharon, who told us of your loss. The Obituary was very good, and he sounded like a wonderful husband & father. "
"Dear Carla and family, I was so saddened to hear about the unexpected death of Dave. I am a long lost cousin who had the delightful experience of meeting you and Dave with my sister-in-law, Laura Dwan a few years ago. We had such a wonderful time staying at your place, listening to all the stories and visiting Black River Falls. I am related to David through my mother whose mother, Mable, was a Mills and was born in Black River Falls. I send all my condolences. Dave's spirit will remain living in my soul for as long as I live. Love, Judy Dwan Hallet Washington DC"
"Carla and family. John and I were shocked to read in the Banner Journal of David's death. I recall having dinner and good conversation with you both at Lahmayer's party. A pleasure. Our sympathy to you and your family. "
"Our deepest condolences to the Mills family, Carla, Marja and Mark on the passing of your husband and father, David Mills. Although many years have passed we remember the Mills family on Odana. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time. Roland & Gisela Rosenkranz"
"Dave Mills was "wide-awake, every minute." The description comes from William Dean Howells in his novel "The Rise of Silas Lapham," and the moment I read it, years ago, I thought, "It's Dave!" Dave was deeply engaged with life, eager to learn, eager to know, eager to serve. His life was so very precious to him. And he to us. -- Julia Keller"
"Mrs Mills, Mark and Marja, I just want to extend my condolences and sympathy upon your Father passing. Its been a long time, but I have fine memories of your him and your family. Now that I think about it, he provided me my first job. My best to you all. Respectfully, Roland Rosenkranz"