David F.

Tillotson

David Faville Tillotson left us on September 7, 2018 at Brook Gardens Place in Lake Mills, Wisconsin surrounded by dear friends.

He was born on the original family homestead, Faville Grove, on July 31, 1923 in the Town of Waterloo. His oldest sister, Elizabeth, often told him that he would have been named "August" had he been born a day later. Two other sisters, Alice (Sis) and Sarah (Sally) completed the family of Frank and Ellen Tillotson, and along with Stoughton W. Faville, his maternal grandfather, made up the household that lived at Faville Grove where David would return to work the family land upon his retirement from teaching.

A life-long learner, David became a high school biology and conservation teacher in Wauwatosa after graduation from UW-Madison, and subsequently studied at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, and the University of Idaho in Moscow, among other places.

A man of honor, David enlisted in the fight in World War II, despite his father having procured for him an agriculture deferment. He was just 20 years old when he married Frances Lindberg on January 11, 1944 while on a two-day military pass from the Army. They met in Sunday school as young children where his future mother-in-law was a teacher. David and Frances were high school sweethearts, prom king and queen, and true partners throughout their lives. They raised three children: Timothy (1947), Ann (1949) and Ellen (1953). He was dearly loved and respected by his students, friends and family.

Conservation, politics, sports, animals and music were some of his diverse interests. He pursued excellence in many ways, primarily with the pen. He was a prolific writer who wrote many essays and "letters to the editor" on a range of environmental and political topics, authored a high school textbook entitled Patterns for Preservation , and late in life published a compilation of his writings, In the Shadow of the Professor , named to honor the influence of Aldo Leopold, a friend of Grandpa Faville, who had been a frequent visitor to the farm during David's childhood. He always had time for others and valued all sides of an issue. He had a great sense of humor, was quick to lend a helping hand whenever needed, was a true giver to the end, and was loyal to what he believed to be right. He ran for the U.S. Congress in 1964, served leadership roles in the Milwaukee Audubon Society, the Island Church Foundation and other groups. He loved wild places and reveled in the beauty of nature.

Survivors include his sister Alice Baird, his daughter Ann (Rod) Schneider, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, his friend and neighbor David Musolf, and countless other dear friends, neighbors and relatives.

A memorial service will be held at the Lake Mills United Methodist Church on May 17, 2019. If desired, memorials may be made to his church, or to Madison Audubon Society to support Faville Grove Sanctuary.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com