David M. "Dave" Lathrop, Sr.

April 21, 1934 – March 12,2023

Teacher, Naturalist, Outdoorsman, Actor. Husband of the late Janice Lathrop, father of David Jr., and LeeAnn Lathrop. Grandpa of Matthew Lathrop, and great- grandpa of Edward Lathrop.

Dave spent 26 years as a classroom teacher in Freeport, IL and another 20+ years as a teaching naturalist with Nature in the Parks in Milwaukee, WI where he was best known as “Amos” the old time syrup maker.

Dave was also involved in community theater having acted in more than 50 productions over 40 years including: Fagin in “Oliver”, Sitting Bull in “Annie Get Your Gun”, Richard Henry Lee/John Hancockin “1776”, Henry the VIII in “Anne of a Thousand Days”, Don Quiote in “Man of LaMancha”, and his signature role as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” performed with six different theater groups in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Dave was also very active as a fisherman, and loved hiking, rock climbing, boating, and all other outdoor activities.

Beside his son and daughter, he leaves behind his grandson Matt, great- grandson Edward, the Murphy Clan, and William Carbery (his nephew from Texas).  David is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 1 nephew, his wife, and 3 very loved dogs.

Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date.

One final note:  “Tevye has exited stage right.  Fade to black.”

  In lieu of flowers/plants, please donate in Dave’s memory to the Humane Society of Milwaukee or to your favorite rescue or local humane society