Obituaries

Isaac Richard Unger left the field on Christmas Day, and is now at peace. He was born in Whitewater, WI on April 1st, 1993 to Paul and Mary Jo (née Peiffer) Unger. Isaac was born ten days late on a silly holiday, and lived his life as such–never rushed, and with a lighthearted sense of humor. Isaac graduated from Madison East High School in 2011, and then attended UW-River Falls from 2011-2016, where he studied English and philosophy. Isaac was a sports lover, not only as a spectator, but as a participant. Isaac grew up playing soccer, basketball (Badger Sporting Goods),baseball (East Madison Little League), and football (Warner Park Football). Football was where he truly found his calling. Isaac played football all four years for East High where he was also awarded All City in 2010. During college, he played football for UWRF, and after his four years of playing time, he assisted the team as a coach. He also was named to Second Team All Conference in 2015. He also enjoyed playing in many softball leagues with his friends, and with his dad and the rest of the old men.

Isaac loved music, and always had something playing. Isaac was a firm believer that vinyl was better than any other form of recorded music. He loved attending concerts, and could talk to you about bands for hours. He also was a strong supporter of his friends’ bands and the local Madison music scene.

Another one of Isaac’s passions was cooking. He was very proud of his knife collection, and loved correcting your kitchen technique. Prepping food was a stress-reliever for him, and he affectionately showed his love through the meals that he cooked for others. He cooked for Junior’s Restaurant in River Falls, and Mickey’s Tavern and Tip Top Tavern in Madison.
Isaac had one of the biggest hearts known to man. He was affectionately known as a giant teddy bear. Whether it was helping his sister and her co-teachers at school, carrying in his grandma’s Christmas tree, calling his friends on a bad day, performing the pterodactyl for his mom, or giving you the biggest bear hug while simultaneously lifting you in the air in the moment that you needed it most. His dimpled smiles, and perfectly maintained beard could cheer up a room.

Isaac was preceded in death by his grandfather Larry Peiffer, his grandfather Richard “Dick” Unger, great-uncle Harley Warner, great-uncle John Warner, and the greatest great-aunt Carol Bergman.

Isaac is survived by his parents, Paul and Mary Jo Unger of Madison; his big sister Brianne Unger of Madison; his grandmothers Mary Peiffer of Whitewater, Donna Unger of Kirkland, WA, and Kay Unger also of Kirkland, WA; his aunts Carol Ottowitz (Steve) of Nekoosa, Jean Peiffer (Tom Donahue) of Fond du Lac, Dee Torres (Jess) of Auburn, WA, and Mary Ann “Mouse” Unger (Annette LaBissoniere) of Mt. Vernon, WA; his cousins Morgan Gaffner of Clearwater, FL, Mitchell Gaffner (Megan) of Neenah, Erin Tomlins (Isaac) of New Berlin, Stephan Torres of Auburn, WA, Cristian Torres of WA, and Madison Unger of Edmonds, WA; and many other extended family members. He is also survived by many friends who were as close to him as family.

Isaac’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all of his friends, but especially to two of his closest friends, Aaron David and Isaac Hecimovich, who lended an extreme amount of support to Isaac and his family throughout the last four months.

The visitation will be held on Saturday January 4th at 10:00am, with a memorial service at 12:00pm. All services will be held at Ryan Funeral Home at 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Underdog Pet Rescue in honor of Isaac’s lifelong love of animals, and to Agrace Hospice, who helped Isaac through his final days.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257