A champion has passed away. David Edwards, longtime member of the Fox Valley Area Chapter of Wild Ones (WOFVAC), passed away on March 3, 2026. He was comfortable and was surrounded by his family.
David was like a brother to me. He was reliable, responsible, and always willing to play and work hard — always doing a great job. He was like a MacGyver. Any problem — he could handle it.
As one of the leaders in the WOFVA Chapter, no matter what — the conference, the native plant sale, or the display, etc, — he was always there.
When I was the Wild Ones executive director, opening the WILD Center, I called upon him to do many things. That’s where I introduced him to my husband, John. John became good friends with Dave. I would often look out and see them mowing or working together on the property.
Dave was a strong advocate of natural landscaping with native plants. He derived much enjoyment from helping others learn about nature through landscaping with native plants. He was especially fond of oak trees. Dave felt strongly about all the wildlife that could thrive from an oak tree.
For us personally, we have lost a very good friend. We cherish our last luncheon with Dave and Karen this past winter. We send sincere condolences to Karen and all their family.
Pat Fischer tells what we feel:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that our longtime and deeply cherished friend Dave Edwards has passed away.
I was blessed to know him for well over twenty years, and in all that time he never changed in the ways that mattered most. Dave was the person who always showed up. No job was too big or too small. If something needed fixing, lifting, building, digging, eradicating, or just figuring out, he was there — steady, capable, and never seeking recognition. His hands were rarely idle, and his generosity had no limits. He was not a giant in stature, but he had a giant heart.
He was kind in a quiet way and funny in a way that could catch you off guard. Creative, hardworking, and deeply dependable — he didn’t need the spotlight. His presence spoke for itself. He helped not for praise, but because that was who he was.
My heart aches at his absence, but I believe a soul so rare and beautiful will never disappear. The love he gave, the countless acts of service, the laughter and care — those things ripple outward and remain. His spirit will continue to affect everyone who knew him. I am grateful for having had such a remarkable friend, and I will honor Dave’s memory by trying to carry forward the qualities he lived so naturally — kindness without fanfare, generosity without measure, and a willingness to step in when someone needs a hand.
Please keep Dave’s wife, Karen, and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
Dave’s obituary. In memory of Dave, please consider simply planting an oak tree.
The image on the Home page shows Dave and Donna posing as the subjects of the iconic 1930s American Gothic.
Wonderful tributes in Dave’s memory. He will not be forgotten.
Lucy — here’s a memory, too. Picture taken with a turtle shell which he donated. Elaine Krizuenesky says it all:
Volunteer of the Decade
Dave “B. Careful” Edwards
with extreme gratitude for
above and beyond assistance at the WILD Center
From rodent control to workworking,
chocolate to engineering feats solving every problem,
on a ladder or on the ground,
winter, spring, summer, fall,
the Ground Guru had done it all!
I can never thank you enough for all you do.
— Donna
Thanks for this Donna! Dave always made the the yard work days at the Wild Center a fun time.
Yes, he did, Roger. I will miss him — Donna