This obituary appeared in the Madison papers, on July 12, 2006. “David” was the husband of classmate Jill (Sievers) Elver

Elver, Charles “David”

BOCA RATON, FLA. – David Elver, age 66, departed this life on Sunday, July 2, 2006, after a courageous battle against diabetes and cancer. He was born in Madison on June 28, 1940, the son of Hugh and Dolly Elver, and his caring stepfather of 27 years, A. Howard Wessel. David attended elementary school in Madison and high school at Monona Grove. As a teenager he worked in the family restaurants, known to many as Dolly’s. On Jan. 24, 1959, he was united in marriage to Jill C. Sievers at Lutheran Memorial Church in Madison. David thoroughly enjoyed his many years in law enforcement and proudly served the communities and their residents. David served from 1961-1971 as a police officer for the Town of Madison and City of Verona police departments. In 1971 he accepted his first police chief’s position in Stanley. David also served as chief of police in Darlington, Decorah, Iowa, and Lead, S.D. From 1982-1987 David was the director of security for Homestake Mining Company, located in Lead/ Deadwood, S.D., and one of several companies owned by the William Randolph Hearst family. David was always involved in civic organizations and community events. Some of these included the Lions Club, Kiwanis and Darlington Canoe Festival. He was also the founder of the July 4th Fireworks Festival, held in Lead, which is attended by several thousand people annually. David was also an avid fundraiser for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. As chairperson for the event, several thousands of dollars were raised annually for “Jerry’s Kids”. Through the efforts of many volunteers, various businesses and support by the local newspapers, radio and television stations, and citizens, they were able to raise the most money, per capita, for several years. David always enjoyed helping and working with people. He will be remembered for his natural ability to communicate with people of all ages and walks of life, along with his gentleness and compassion. David is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jill of Boca Raton, Fla.; his three children, Charles Jr. of West Palm Beach, Fla., Kimberly Elver of Roswell, Ga., and Dennis “Hugh” of Charlotte, N.C.; his most loving sister, Mrs. Richard “Jackie” Mackesey of Cottage Grove; and seven nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather. A memorial service will be held in honor of David on Friday, July 14, 2006, from 10 a.m. until noon at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL CEMETERY in Monona. A reception dinner will be held afterwards. If I should ever leave you, whom I love, to go along the silent way, grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there. I’d come if I could find the way. But would not tears and grief be barriers; and when you hear a song or see a bird I loved, please don’t let the thought of me be sad For I am loving you just as I always have You were so good to me. There are so many things I wanted still to do and so many things I wanted to say to you. Remember that I did not fear it was just leaving you that was so hard to face We cannot see beyond but this I know: I loved you so t’was heaven here with you.

madison.com Copyright ©2006, Madison Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved