David Ladd, Dodgeville… age 89, of Dodgeville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Upland Hills Health Nursing & Rehab Center. Dave helped establish the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association and was a charter member of WWOA. He served on WWOA’s original Board of Directors. He was active in the local WWOA Bad Axe Chapter. He was also known for his work with the National and Wisconsin Walnut Councils. Dave was inducted into the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame in 2015.
Dave was an accomplished business person and a steward of the land. He loved the outdoors and spent his free time hunting and fishing, taking care of his walnut trees, planting wildflower prairies, watching the birds and other wildlife at his childhood farm and property
In 1972, Dave and his wife, Nancy, founded Walnut Hollow Farm, the leading US manufacturer of quality wood surfaces for the Craft and Hobby Industry. With a lot of hard work and dedicated employees, the company was very successful. Dave was the President and CEO of Walnut Hollow until the late 90’s when his children took over management of the company.
Private family services will be held along with a celebration of life at a later date. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Upland Hills Nursing & Rehab Center, 800 Compassion Way, Dodgeville, WI 53533 or the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, 211 S. Paterson St., Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703.