David Roland Wells

David Roland Wells, age 79, of Merrimac passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Select Specialty Hospital in Madison surrounded by his family. He was born in Monroe on March 1, 1947 to the late Wilbur “Bub” and Eileen (Theiler) Wells. Dave graduated from Monroe High School in 1965. He went on to become a barber, but later decided to further his education at UW Whitewater and obtained an Accounting Degree in 1976. Dave was united in marriage to Mary Lantinen on August 26, 1978 at the Chalet St. Moritz in Middleton.

Dave started as an accountant for Rayovac (now Spectrum Brands) in 1976 and retired as National Sales Manager in 2006. Throughout his career he made many lifelong connections. Once he retired, he and Mary traveled throughout the United States by RV. They embraced the motto, “Enjoy the journey, not just the destination.” Dave and Mary made a great team while traveling; Dave as the primary driver and Mary as navigator. This led to many memorable experiences. One trip, which included the grandchildren, still has the family laughing to this day. Instead of following the GPS, the navigator took a shortcut and they ended up at a dead end. This necessitated extra time, disconnecting the tow car, and rectifying the situation. Dave’s navigator never made this mistake again! Dave and Mary loved spending their winters in Salome, AZ, where they quickly made many friends with other snowbirds. Dave enjoyed golfing, but eventually, as his eyesight declined, he avidly embraced music. He taught himself to play numerous instruments including the accordion, piano, clarinet, guitar, melodica, ukulele, saxophone, mandolin and harmonica. Dave joined his friends in the Merrimac Jug Band and played at local venues and nursing homes. Making music with friends, entertaining others, and sharing his deep faith became his mission in life.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughter, Sherry (Lloyd) Latty and their children, Micah, Iesha, and Meraiah; his brother, Donald (Kate) Wells; sister, Kathy Jo (Bruce) Young; sisters-in-law, Vivian (Backchul) Shin, Sheryl (Tim) De Hart, Donna Jahnke, and Bette (Gary) Wilz. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and his extended family of dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Tom and Florence Lantinen; brother-in-law, Lyle Jahnke; and his former wife and mother of his daughter, Judy Quam.

David’s family would like to thank all of their wonderful friends and neighbors for their help and assistance, Pastor Erick Hunter and the Merrimac United Methodist Church family for their thoughts and prayers, and Select Specialty Hospital for their wonderful care. Thank you!

A memorial service for David will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 at Merrimac United Methodist Church, 117 Church St., Merrimac. A visitation will be at the church from 9:00 am until the time of service. A private family interment will be held at a later date in the Oak Hill Cemetery.