Page created by: Derek Mellencamp

David Mellencamp of Milwaukee, WI passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2024 after bravely confronting Parkinson's disease for several years.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years - Astrid, his two sons Douglas (Lindsay) and Derek (Jenny), his grandchildren Isabella and Becker, and his younger siblings, Mary (Jim), John and Lucy (Lou).

He was a man in many ways defined by his profession as a doctor and orthopedic surgeon. To his kids he would describe his job as being a carpenter tasked with rebuilding and improving broken structures. He helped thousands of patients over his decades long career leaving a legacy of improved lives and health outcomes. David was one of the last of a generation of doctors with the power to push back against insurance companies and hospital systems and he did so frequently to the benefit of his patients. Providing the best care was his standard. Professionally, he loved nothing more than getting to work in the operating room to make things better.

As a father, he was our north star. He set a vision and always led by example, working hard and always doing things the right way – leaving little ambiguity on how to live a good and righteous life. He gave his sons a tremendous gift: when in doubt, we need only to consider “what would dad do?” to find clarity…not that we always followed that path. When we strayed from that path as kids will do, he offered unwavering support as our fiercest ally and advocate.

A man of quiet intelligence, he was often one of the smartest people in the room no matter the company he kept. Measured and humble, he used this gift for the benefit of others, but was loathe to impose unsolicited opinions. He was well respected and people around him worked hard to earn his respect. He provided strong guidance and ultimately became a lifelong friend and confidant to Doug and Derek who try to emulate his strength and integrity in their own lives.

He shared his passions with us: reading and watching science fiction, snow and water skiing, swimming, scuba diving, Tae Kwon Do (he received his black belt in his 40s with his son Doug). He was always up to catch the latest sci-fi flick, or he would hop out on a boom with us for a barefoot waterskiing session into his 50s. He was brave enough to spar with his two teenage sons in our home in a room with padded floors. His adventurous spirit inspired many shared moments that we will cherish forever.

A graduate of Williams College, he also was a collegiate swimmer. He studied English Literature focusing on Shakespeare – a testament to his diverse interests. He went on to Medical School at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he met his wife Astrid who was there pursuing her master’s in nursing.

He gave back to community through medicine. Early on, he spent years as a doctor with the Public Health Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, on a Sioux reservation – a time marked by the birth of his son Doug. He continued his influence at the Medical College of Wisconsin by teaching throughout his career, bringing up a generation of Orthopedic surgeons in Milwaukee.

He was a devoted husband to Astrid – always kind, steady and loving.

We love you Dad, David. Rest in Peace and Love.