David Joel Rorge

David Joel “Dave” Rorge, age 73, passed away at his home on July 7, 2025.

Born on July 12, 1951, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, Dave was the son of Russell and Marian (Reinstad) Rorge. He grew up in the Stoughton area and attended South Elementary School, where he played little league baseball and met his lifelong friend, Greg “Gruntler” Swingen. He went on to attend Stoughton Junior High and graduated from Stoughton High School, where he was active in both basketball and baseball.

Athletic and competitive by nature, Dave played on a championship fast-pitch softball team sponsored by First National Bank and spent his college summers playing baseball with the Stoughton Home Talent team. He was an accomplished pool player, earning numerous trophies and championships in both Stoughton and Fort Atkinson. Golf was another passion—he was a former president of the Stoughton Country Club and a regular at Koshkonong Mounds in Fort Atkinson, where he was affectionately known as one of “the Norwegians.”

Dave earned his degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. During his college years, he also formed a close, lifelong friendship with Steve “Wally” Wage.

Dave began his professional career as a loan officer at First Federal Savings and Loan in Madison. In one remarkable moment, he helped foil a bank robbery and was honored with a medal by the City of Madison for his bravery. He later joined his father in the family business, Rorge Realty in Stoughton, and went on to establish Tri-County Construction, serving the Fort Atkinson and Jefferson communities for many years.

A true Wisconsinite through and through, Dave was a devoted fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Green Bay Packers, and the Wisconsin Badgers. He proudly shared that love of sports with his grandson, Sebastian, often cheering on the games together and passing down his passion for teamwork, tradition, and hometown pride. Whether it was cheering on his teams from the stands, in front of the TV, or surrounded by friends, he never missed a chance to support his home state and share in the highs and lows of the seasons.

Known for his sharp wit, contagious humor, and welcoming nature, Dave had a way of making fast friends and lasting memories. Whether on the golf course, around a pool table, or out on Lake Kegonsa, Dave lived with laughter and light heartedness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Marian Rorge; his uncle and aunt, Gilmore and Pat Rorge; and Norman Gerber, husband of his sister Marge.

Dave is survived by his two daughters: Maggie Nelson and her son Sebastian Schultz; Lucille Nathwani, her husband Jay, and their daughter Rani. He is also survived by his sisters, Marge Gerber and Jeanne (John) Dibble, along with their children and extended family.

A Celebration of Life is being planned to honor Dave; date to be announced soon. Dave’s family warmly invites all who knew him to join in remembering his life, sharing stories, and celebrating the joy he brought to so many.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244