David M. Poast

Madison – David M. Poast, 64, went to be with His Lord and Savior in the early morning on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Tivoli at Divine Savior in Portage, WI.

David was born on September 9, 1953, in Madison to Harold and Jennie (Grignano) Poast. He attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1971. After high school, he worked as a heavy equipment and crane operator for Anthony Grignano Construction Company in Madison and La Crosse. While living in La Crosse, David had the honor of being the crane operator on the La Crosse Civic Center and Radisson Hotel. From 1980 to 1990, David worked for Gateway Foods where he started and managed the video service department. In 1995, David moved back to Madison and volunteered for many years. He was active in the West Side Madison MS Support group and served 13 years on the board of Community Living Alliance. David also served four years on the board for Committee for People with Disabilities and the Parking Committee for People with Disabilities.

Even though David lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 30 years, he enjoyed life to the fullest.  He will be known for his smile, his positive outlook on life, his sense of humor, his friendly personality, and his ability to remember everyone’s name – from members of the church to the staff at Tivoli.  David had a strong Catholic faith and was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Madison. He was a huge supporter of all Wisconsin sports – the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the University of Wisconsin Badgers. He was also a devoted father; he dearly loved his son and two daughters.

David is survived by his children, Adam Lehman of Lyons, CO, Laura (Matthew) Langhout of Stillwater, MN, and Stephanie (Scott Ostrowski) Poast of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Colin, Isobel, and Noah Lehman and Adalyn and Clara Langhout; siblings, Harold “Butch” (Ellen Myhre) Poast Jr, Kathleen (Ray) Stark, and Diana Poast; goddaughters, Julie (Mike) Schliesman and Kamiah Fields, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Drake.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Madison, Wisconsin, with Monsignor Tom Baxter presiding. Inurnment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A Celebration of Life will be held at Tivoli in Portage on Thursday, June 14, 2018, with lunch from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. A service will follow with Chaplain Tyler Whatley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will be donated to organizations that David supported.

The family would like to thank the staff at Tivoli and Agrace Hospice for their excellent care.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.