J. David “Dave” Fuchs, 89, of Mequon, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 31st, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on November 28, 1935, to Rufus John Fuchs and Georgia Edith Palmer Fuchs. From an early age, Dave’s curiosity about how things worked and how he could make them work defined the direction of his life. As a child, it led him into model railroading, providing technical support for a native American dance group, and becoming actively involved in Boy Scouts. These activities fed his curiosity, helped to develop his strategic ingenuity, and shaped his character.
Later, these interests led him to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. While designing and running technical support for ISU’s student-run Stars Over VIESHA musical, he met a pretty young woman named Mary Elizabeth Glenn, who became the love of his life. They married on September 15, 1957.
After graduating in 1958, Dave began a remarkable 40-year career in industrial automation with Allen-Bradley as a Sales Engineer. During his time there, Dave co-authored and published a book entitled Electrical Motor Controls and Circuits.
Through dedication and leadership, he rose to become Vice President of Strategy and Technology at Rockwell Automation. His strategic mind and collaborative approach were vital in guiding the company through mergers, joint ventures, and acquisitions.
In his home life, Dave was active in his children’s lives, serving as a scout leader, recording musical productions, and always supporting their pursuits. In retirement, he served on numerous boards, shared his expertise and remained civically active as a member of the Republican Party of Ozaukee County and the City of Mequon Planning Commission.
Dave and Mary were blessed with 67 years of marriage and built a family grounded in love and shared values. Dave was a devoted father to Cynthia Ann Fuchs Habig (Bruce) of Larchmont, NY; Mark David Fuchs (Dawn) of Mequon, WI; and Michael John Fuchs (Christine) of Mill Valley, CA. He was a proud grandfather to John Michael Sparks (Kira), Ann Louise Nielson (Peter), Sarah Elizabeth Yasonik (Michail), Robert David Habig (Sam), Matthew Philip Habig (Wendy), Catherine Ann Habig, David Peterson Fox (Glyn), Paul Thompson Fuchs (Audrey), and Andrew Mark Fuchs; and a joyful great-grandfather to Benjamin David Nielson, Felicity Ruth Nielson, Oliver James Nielson, Inara Dawn Sparks, and Penny Michelle Sparks. Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Georgia Fuchs, and daughter-in-law, Lis Thompson Fuchs.
Dave’s spiritual life was centered in his Presbyterian faith. A lifelong Presbyterian, he was a committed member of Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon, where five generations of his family have worshipped, volunteered and been nurtured.
One of Dave’s great passions was the family cabin in Minaki, Ontario, Canada. A place of peace and pride, he designed it in his twenties and built it alongside his father and friends. He loved maintaining the cabin, solving problems creatively, and sharing the beauty of the area with his family. It was also where Dave taught life lessons—not always through words, but through actions. He showed how to be consistent, take care of things, plan ahead, and put others first. In photos, you rarely see a fishing pole in his hands—instead, he’s guiding the boat so others could fish.
Those who knew Dave admired his deep commitment to family, sharp intellect, and unwavering sense of fairness. He had a quiet strength, thoughtful nature, and self-reliant spirit. He approached life with strategic clarity, always considering every angle. Through his actions he demonstrated how to “show up” in life. Dave leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and quiet wisdom that will live on in those who know him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon, Wisconsin, on June 28th, 2025, with visitation at 12:00 and service at 2:00 pm. Please note that Green Bay Road will be closed mid morning through early afternoon due to the holiday parade in Thiensville. If coming from the south, please use Highway 43 north to the Highland Road exit and follow to Crossroads Presbyterian. From the west, use Wauwatosa Road to Highland and follow to Crossroads Presbyterian. He will be laid to eternal rest at Mitchellville Cemetery in Mitchellville, Iowa.
The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of Dave’s memory and the life of service he led.
