David Dorsey

David Dorsey, 76, formerly of Chippewa Falls, died in Madison on Saturday, December 30, 2017 surrounded by his family.

He was born in 1941, the son of W.O. Dorsey and Caryl Dorsey. He attended Chi Hi and graduated in 1960. He attended and graduated from the University of WI, Eau Claire in 1964 with a B.A. degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. Following graduation, he joined his father as an agent in the Dorsey Insurance Agency. David became president of the agency in 1976 and served as its head until retiring in 2007. He served as an active member and president of the United States Jaycees – Chippewa Falls Chapter as well as being a board member of United Cerebral Palsy, Eau Claire Chapter. In 1970 David married his wife, Carol, and they spent the last 47 years together sharing their hearts and lives with each other.

David’s top priority was always his family first. When he wasn’t doing things with his family he could often be found reading and studying history. He studied in great detail, the history of the Second World War from both Allied and Axis perspectives. Throughout his life he also maintained a great interest in the history of rocketry and space exploration. The German, Soviet and American efforts all were a source of fascination. The work of Dr. Wernher Von Braun, which culminated in the Saturn 5 Moon Rockets and America’s Moon Landings were always a subject he would talk about, years after the missions ended. He would have loved to see the first mission to Mars. A special passion of his was the construction of an extensive static display of model aircraft and rockets. During his travels he made sure to stop at historical sites and museums to further his knowledge and share his love of history with his family. He was also inspired by the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Though he was never an architect, he did enjoy designing his last two homes. Finally, he had a keen interest in the thoughts and writings of Professor Stephen Hawking on the creation of and ultimate demise of the universe.

He was intensely proud of his Welsh heritage on his mother’s side. He was equally as proud of his Welsh-Irish heritage from the people of the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, where his father had been raised.

David had a love for all things with an engine- war ships, spacecraft, airplanes and especially cars. In his earlier years he worked on car engines and eventually built a 1927 Ford Model T touring car which was shown at many car shows. He competed in many drag races throughout the Midwest in his 1950 Ford, 1965 Dodge and 1968 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet. In later years he enjoyed watching Formula 1 races from around the world, going to USAC Sprint Car and Midget races and World of Outlaw dirt track races throughout Indiana and Ohio. Weekends he often immersed himself in his model room where he built hundreds of model airplanes, rockets and cars with his son.

Over the years David enjoyed many travels both in the United States and abroad. David especially cherished his travels with his family to the Florida Keys where he enjoyed the laid back culture, hospitality and colorful sunsets. After his retirement he treated himself and Carol to cruises to the French Polynesian Islands and to the Baltic region of Europe and Russia. A highlight on this trip was taking a flight on a Russian Airline into Moscow to see Red Square.

David was an animal lover, something that he passed on to his daughter. David had many different types of dogs over the years. After retirement he became involved and heavily supported Small Paws Rescue. David adopted Shelby, a rescue bichon who was abused and left with only one eye. He provided the loving home and the special assistance she required. In his last days, he was able to see his dog Layla so she could say goodbye.

David is survived by his wife, Carol; a son, Caleb (Gloria); a daughter, Alexis (Joe); and four grandchildren, Mason, Morgan, Norah, and Marijke.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 5th from 11:30 to 2:30 at the Fill Inn Station in Chippewa Falls. Reflections on his life will begin at 12:30 to 1:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Small Paws Rescue, 3316 S. 72nd W. Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74107, United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin, 206 Water St. Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703, or National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.pedersonvolker.com