David V. Zakem

Zakem, David V.

Madison, Wisconsin - David V. Zakem, age 67, died peacefully on August 21, 2012 from ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease at the Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

Most recently he was a pre-school teacher and early childhhood curriculum coordinator at the Khartoum American School in Khartoum, Sudan. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 28, 1944, he was the son of Phoebe Newton Briggs and the stepson of Comet Halley Briggs. He is survived by his brother Richard (Sharon) Briggs, niece Lindsey Briggs, nephew John (Jami) Briggs, numerous cousins (Hillary, Mijares) in Michigan and Texas and his dear friends Ruth Calden (George deceased) and Char Thompson of Madison, Wisconsin.

After graduation from GR Catholic Central High School - the Class of '62 and earning a teaching degree from Michigan State University, Dave began a journey of teaching and service in the Peace Corps, International Schools and community agencies in Madison Wisconsin. He earned degrees from Western Michigan University, Syracuse University and the University of Wisconsin -
Madison. Friends span the world from Wisconsin and Michigan to points in the United States, Africa, Asia, Central America, and Europe. He taught the last 16 years in Laos and Sudan.

A celebration of Dave's life, friendships, and his contributions to his students, their parents, and fellow educators will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 15 at the Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society, 2010 Whenona Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53711 (www.uuprairie.org). Cremation has taken place and a private burial will occur in Lowell, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, Dave requested contributions to the ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter, 3333 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 213, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222 (www.alsawi.org), for the support of families with ALS. To view his life history and a guestbook in Dave's honor, visit www.davidzakem.last-memories.com.