Obituary of David Michael Desch

David Michael Desch hit the ground running Halloween night of 1952. He was born in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from Hayden High in 1970. Two years into a degree at Washburn University, his father passed away. So, at just 19, he made the courageous decision to take over the family produce business alongside his brother Bernard, which they ran for over 15 years. 

He is survived by his three children — daughter Michelle (Collin), twin sons Mike and Sam, and his two adoring grandpuppies, — as well as 8 of his siblings: Mary, Deanna, Bernard, Theresa, Mark, Carol, Maggie and Ed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Edward, Jack, his oldest brother, and his ex-wife Shirley, who he became good friends with over the years. 

His three kids were his pride and joy, something he made sure was well known to anyone he crossed paths with. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and was a deeply generous man. He was at every play, concert, race, or event over the years, with a bottomless bag of snacks and water in tow. You could always count on him to answer his phone, or show up for you, 24 hours a day, and he loved to *produce* enough food to feed an army for a simple meal. – Something he took with him from his time in the Army Reserves working as a cook alongside his brothers. His siblings were some of his closest friends. Their bond over the years has been a steady and consistent presence. Whether it was a family reunion, a holiday gathering, a phone call, or a text Dave was always there. 

Despite his long-term health challenges, he was never one to complain, or to let it take control of his life. He was a stubborn man with a strong sense of family ties, and yet, an adventurous spirit from day one. From his exploration as a toddler crawling away from the family farm to go visit his neighbor buddy, Smoke, to his short lived and short-legged driving expedition, to his travels through Asia [China, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia] in his 30s, where he celebrated his 31st birthday, not once, but twice, while seeing the world.

He celebrated his 70th birthday by retiring from over 30 [33] years as the Sales Director of Student Assurance Services. He lived out his too short retirement in the house he bought when moving from Kansas to Minnesota to grow his family in 1989. He thrived in his final years. He loved spending time with his family, remodeling his house, and growing his flower gardens. He was walking 8 miles a day until his final months, and was always sending out nature pictures, in awe of the world around him. 

There are some things we may never know. Was he really a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz? Did all his hair really blow off when he was leaving a Twins baseball game at the Metrodome? He will always be remembered among the best of them. For being an amazing Dad, brother, uncle, son, and a friend to all. His love, his silliness, his generosity, and his drive to provide for his family are unmatched.

David passed away the evening of May 20, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, surrounded by family reminiscing on countless stories of a man who is already dearly missed.

Family and friends will be celebrating David’s life at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, MN on Saturday, September 7th from 1-4pm and a memorial service will be held at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, or the John Hopkins Department of Pathology Esophageal Gift Fund.