David Daniel McCarthy was born March 11, 1959 in Clintonville, WI to Pat and Dan McCarthy. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 7, 2020.
Dave was preceded in death by his dad – Daniel McCarthy, survived by his wife Mary Goodsett, son Brian McCarthy (Aarathi) in Ballston Spa, NY, daughter Alli McCarthy in St. Paul, MN, his mom Pat McCarthy in Clintonville WI, and sister Ann McCarthy (Casey Kern) in Haslett, MI.
He graduated valedictorian of his high school class before earning a degree in Biochemistry at UW-Madison. He went on to UW Medical School where he met Mary, the love of his life and they married August 25, 1984. They graduated together and completed a residency in neurology at the University of Utah. They practiced together as neurologists for 10 years in Kalamazoo, MI, before moving to La Crosse where he practiced for another three years at Gundersen. He then decided to return to his true passion in life of teaching. He completed a Masters in Education at UWL and worked primarily as a substitute teacher in the Onalaska School District. He was a tennis coach at the middle school for many years and truly had a gift for motivating kids and helping them to discover the joy of participating in athletics. He rewarded sportsmanship and improved play with wacky activities including letting the kids “cut” his hair and dye it pink as well as allowing his body to become target practice. His role as a dad to Brian and Alli was paramount in his life. He and Mary shared one full time neurology position, so he was able to be involved in the daily life and care of his children. His role as husband was equally as impor-tant. He made Mary feel special and loved like no other person. He was only on this earth for 60 years but they packed a lot of living into that time. He was his children’s best fan in all of their activities throughout their lives. He was known to attend every one of their events with enthusiasm which could be seen through making posters, wearing team colors, and even learning to play the same musical instrument as his children to share their passions. He was also incredibly patient and generous with his time spending countless hours helping and supporting them in all aspects of their lives. He always had a twinkle in his eye and enjoyed every second of every day especially if he could make people laugh, even if it was at his own expense. He had a gift to make mundane activities special through his contagious goofy behavior and antics. Even a trip to the grocery turned into an unpredictable adventure. He shared many adventures with his family traveling the world which leaves them with many treasured lifelong memories. He was a multi-sport athlete having completed countless marathons, an Ironman Triathlon, 300 mile single day bike rides, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, and more recently many marathon ski races. He left this world doing what he loved – he died unexpectedly while cross country skiing.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Onalaska United Methodist Church, 212 4th Avenue North. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, Dave would encourage you to donate blood and consider making a donation to the Coulee Region Tennis Association for Green Island Park Tennis Complex, PO Box 191, La Crosse WI 54602-0191 or UW Foundation – Organ and Transplant Tissue Donor Education Fund in memory of Dr. Dave McCarthy. Fund #112901888. For a complete obituary or to share online condolences, please visit www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com