David Ellis Cudden, 81, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer.

Son of Olive and Delos, David was born on May 8, 1943 in Sycamore, IL. He attended Sycamore High School where he was an all-star athlete. He received a scholarship to play football at the University of Illinois. He couldn't stay away too long from the love of his life and transferred to play football at Northern Illinois University. Dave married his high school sweetheart, Alyce Erlewine, on June 1, 1963. Although he received an invitation to try out for the Dallas Cowboys, he chose to start a family. David was a teacher, coach, farmer, property manager, grandfather, and most importantly, a wonderful father to his three daughters.

After losing his wife Alyce in 1987, Dave married Susan (Haumiller) on July 7, 1999. Upon his retirement from teaching in 2000, he enjoyed traveling the world, fishing, tailgating at NIU football games where he was a member of the 1963 National Championship Team and a member of the Football Hall of Fame, his annual father daughter trips to Florida, running his family's NCAA March Madness "Tournament Central", and spending time with his cherished family.

He was preceded to heaven by his wife Alyce, his mother and father, his mother and father-in law, aunts, uncles, two sister-in-laws, two brother-in-laws, and several cousins.

David is survived by his wife, Susan, his three daughters: Jodi (Dan) Wegrzyn, Dana (Mike) Petrie, Jenny (and former husband Brian) Swanson, his grandchildren: Ryan, Ella, Alex, and Evan, Susan's children Peter, Brittney (Jose) Contreras, and Ian, his brothers: Mike and Jim, sister Alice, sister-in-law Sharon, many nieces and nephews, as well as a very special cousin, Wright B.

While we lost our most beloved dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master at giving great advice and guidance, and a fixer of all things. Once you were marked as important to him, he'd be by your side if you needed him. Dave made the world a better place for many with his infectious smirk, helping hand, and huge heart!

The family plans to have a private burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore, IL.  A Celebration of Dave's wonderful life will be held later this summer.  Details to be announced soon.

Arrangements were completed by the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore, IL.  To sign the online guest book- go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com