David Scott Pabst

1960 - 2025

David Scott Pabst

July 12, 1960 - July 7, 2025

MIDDLETON - David Scott Pabst, age 64, of Middleton, Wis., died on July 7, 2025. Dave was a dedicated family man, who lived his life with utmost integrity, courage and faith.

He was born on July 12, 1960, in Amery, Wis., as the fourth child of Robert and June (Hartwig) Pabst. He graduated from New Richmond High School in 1979 and completed his associate's degree at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute. He was a graduate of the Wisconsin State Patrol 35th recruit class in 1986 and spent 25 years as a law enforcement officer, rising through the ranks from trooper and inspector in the State Patrol Northwest Region to sergeant, lieutenant and captain at State Patrol headquarters in Madison. In 2013, he was appointed director of the Bureau of Transportation Safety and Technical Services for Wisconsin Department of Transportation. He was a public servant who went above and beyond in all that he did.

David married Teresa Marie Reiter on May 14, 1988, in Willmar, Minn. Over 37 years of marriage, they forged a family unit bonded by faith, hope, and love. In Dave and Teri's early married years, they raised their daughters in Baldwin and Hudson. At home, you could always find him tooling around on his bevy of bikes-from a banana bike to a triple tandem to a unicycle. Long rides and races with his friends were a source of community for him. He was a Mr. Fix-it with a special knack for tinkering with electronics or crafting a solution for anything out of duct tape! Any friend or neighbor knew they could turn to him if they needed help with anything.

While his gentleness and kindness was what you got at first glance, Dave's playful and joyful spirit shone through if you were lucky enough to get to know him. His favorite place was "the Woods" in Clear Lake, Wis., where his parents had built their log cabin home. He spent countless hours there hunting, watching Packers-Vikings games, skiing and walking through the serene Wisconsin northwoods. He spent many cherished days there with his children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews.

Dave's faith helped him endure the challenges of life and he is now safe in the arms of his heavenly Father. David was preceded in death by his parents; and infant sister, Candace. He was accompanied in death by his bride, Teri; and son, James. He is survived by his children, Lora (Tom) Horgen of St. Paul, Minn., Danielle (Drew Gough) Pabst of Cross Plains, Wis., Heidi (Mark Phillips) Pabst of Plymouth, Minn., and Martavous "Noah" Pabst of St. Paul, Minn.; siblings, Bradley (Bea) Pabst of Tacoma, Wash., Lori (Duane) Page of New Richmond, Wis., and Dan (Sally) Pabst of Ellsworth, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Holden, Natalie and Ivy Barlow, Aurora and Magnus Horgen, Aylah Phillips, and Juliette Lewis; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for David and Teri will take place at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, Wis., at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025. A visitation will take place at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, as well as the two hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will take place in Hudson, Wis., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Wisconsin Troopers Benevolent Foundation or National Alliance on Mental Illness-Wisconsin. For more information and online condolences, please visit www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002