David William Atkins, 75, of Middleton, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 1, 2025. A man who lived by the motto "Always look on the bright side of life," David brought joy, optimism, creativity, and boundless enthusiasm to everything he did and everyone he met!

Born December 4, 1949, to Donald and Bernice "Be" (Divall) Atkins, David's passion for theater and performance began during his studies at UW-Baraboo. There he met Linda Joy Accola while helping her learn lines for "Firebugs" – a friendship that blossomed into love through letters exchanged during his service in Vietnam (1971-1972) after enlisting in the Army as a company clerk. Two weeks after returning home, they married on February 5, 1972, at Honey Creek United Methodist Church.

David's career path reflected his creative spirit and love of performance. After roles at U.W. Credit Union and Wausau Insurance as an Accounts Receiving Marketing Specialist, he joined his father with the Energy Circus for Wisconsin Power and Light. Shortly thereafter he and Linda founded LIDA TECH, and Commander Volant of the Starship Energy was created! This is where he captivated young students' minds, teaching electrical safety and energy conservation through educational magic shows. The couple also owned The Cup of Joy, a beloved coffee shop in Prairie du Sac. For the past 15 years, David found his professional home at Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) in Middleton as a SMT specialist. This is where he worked until his passing. He took pride in riding his bicycle to work (weather permitting) and identifying Source 4 lighting fixtures wherever he went.

A cornerstone of his community, David served as the MC for Fourth of July celebrations in Witwen and directed productions including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" for Sauk Prairie Community Theatre. His love of adventure and openness to new experiences led him and Linda to welcome foreign exchange students who became cherished family members: Patrick Sheridan, Ralf Menzel, Silvia Menzel, Jean Christophe Born and Irina Loyer.

David and Linda's passion for travel took them across much of Europe, the Caribbean, and nearly all 50 states. He loved to share pictures of delicious food and the beautiful sights they witnessed. At home, David was known for his infectious smile, extensive book collection, eclectic music taste ranging from, Free Hot Lunch to The Jimmy's, and his signature offer of a "shot" (of espresso) to anyone who crossed his threshold.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; son Michael (Polly Linn) Atkins; daughter Valerie Thurston (Brian Perry); grandchildren Joseph (Becca) Thurston, Abigail Thurston, Oscar DiBerardinis, and Lily Be Atkins; sister-in-law Diane Atkins; and nieces Pam (David) Berman, Sheri (Dan) Evans, and Christy (Chris) Pickell. His extended family includes Roger, Robert, Richard, and Ross Dippel; Steve and Susan Henkel; Dano Haag; and his beloved godchildren Saige, and Spencer Henkel. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas Atkins, and godchild Zachary Henkel.

A Celebration of David's Life will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with service at follow at 12:00 noon. Military honors will be accorded by the Lachmund-Cramer VFW Post 7694. A luncheon will follow at the Hawk's Nest-Whippoorwill 7914 State Hwy 19, Dane.  Casual attire such as music, sports, theatre, Hawaiian, fun shirts are requested, per David's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, the family will establish a memorial fund in David's honor.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com