Dana Cable, Growing Systems Founder and President, passes away at 96

It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the passing of Dana Cable, President of Growing Systems, Inc. He enjoyed his 96th birthday on May 6 with visits from family and friends. Dana passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 10, in his apartment at Harbor Chase, an assisted living facility. Before COVID-19 kept all of us safely at home, Dana had been coming to work every day at Growing Systems, where he felt comfortable with his employees, his second family.

His college experience was on hold after graduation from high school while he entered the U.S. Air Force to serve his country during World War II. His tour of service was in the European Theater of Operations where he was involved in aerial warfare, completing 32 missions from August 1, 1944 to January 20, 1945.

Following his discharge, he entered Ohio State University, where he received his degree in horticulture in 1949. He later was employed by the Fred C. Gloeckner Company as a sales representative in the Midwest, and moved to the Milwaukee, Wisc., area. In 1972 he started his own business, bringing Multipots (cell-trays) to the U.S. from Germany.

Dana was very innovative, and over the years he invented several pieces of equipment that would help growers. He traveled the world, making many friends, and bringing home ideas that he could make for greenhouse operators, such as the Spring-Lock Channel and Wire, which he discovered in Japan. Growing Systems will continue operating with the current employees, as Dana has requested.

Dana is survived by his four sons, Dana Cable, Jr., John, Stuart, and Spencer, who reside in the area with their families. He has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on June 4, 2021 at Feerick Funeral Home in Shorewood, Wisc. Condolences may be sent to Growing Systems and will be forwarded to his family. If you wish to honor Dana, please send a memorial gift to the charity of your choice or to your local Boy Scout Council