Obituary for David J. South
David J. South, 81, of Cudahy, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2020. David was born in South Milwaukee on February 17, 1939 to Vivian (Larson) and Albertus South. David was an active youth who loved the outdoors, working on cars, and playing and listening to music. David met the love of his life, Bonnie J Pfeffer at South Milwaukee High School. Bonnie and David were married in July 1961. They had four children, Anthony (Tony), Tina (deceased), Colleen, and Joel. David and Bonnie celebrated 59 years together. David and Bonnie had 7 grand kids and many great grandchildren to fill their lives with happiness.
David was a proud citizen, airman, and firefighter throughout is working career. David joined the Air Force in August 1958 and retired in April 1999 after 41 years of service with the rank of Senior Master Sargent. David was given a M.O.S of firefighter and from there he made that career his own and influenced many people along the way. He was promoted to Fire Chief for the 128th Air Refueling Group at General Mitchel Field and was also a Fire Science instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College. David was awarded the Airman’s Medal for bravery when he saved the life of a small plane pilot who crashed into high power lines while landing at General Mitchel Field. This is the highest medal for bravery that is awarded for non-combat actions in the Air Force. We are very proud of our father as he was not only our hero but he was also a hero to those he saved and influenced throughout his career.
David was also very active with his children. He was a Scout Master for Troop 212 and also started the first Explorer post in the country that allowed teenagers to explore the career of Aircraft Crash and Rescue with the sponsorship of the Air Force and the Boy Scouts of America. Dad loved to play tennis, golf, working on cars, woodworking, and fishing.
David was loved and respected by everyone who met him. We will miss our father, husband, and best friend. In leu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Wisconsin Humane Society in David’s name.
David was a proud citizen, airman, and firefighter throughout is working career. David joined the Air Force in August 1958 and retired in April 1999 after 41 years of service with the rank of Senior Master Sargent. David was given a M.O.S of firefighter and from there he made that career his own and influenced many people along the way. He was promoted to Fire Chief for the 128th Air Refueling Group at General Mitchel Field and was also a Fire Science instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College. David was awarded the Airman’s Medal for bravery when he saved the life of a small plane pilot who crashed into high power lines while landing at General Mitchel Field. This is the highest medal for bravery that is awarded for non-combat actions in the Air Force. We are very proud of our father as he was not only our hero but he was also a hero to those he saved and influenced throughout his career.
David was also very active with his children. He was a Scout Master for Troop 212 and also started the first Explorer post in the country that allowed teenagers to explore the career of Aircraft Crash and Rescue with the sponsorship of the Air Force and the Boy Scouts of America. Dad loved to play tennis, golf, working on cars, woodworking, and fishing.
David was loved and respected by everyone who met him. We will miss our father, husband, and best friend. In leu of flowers please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Wisconsin Humane Society in David’s name.