David Minnie, 82

David Virgil Minnie, 82, died suddenly at the St. Cloud Hospital on Thursday, April 5, 2012.

David was born January 14, 1930 in Gary, Minnesota, the son of Raymond and Lillian Wilhelmina (Andersen) Minnie. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. He grew up in the farm country of Norman County and graduated from high school in Gary. At age 16 he began working with his father driving heavy road construction machinery. He often commented that he helped build several roads in that area.

David enlisted in the United States Air Force and went into the Officer Training Program. He became a pilot for the Air Force and attained the rank of captain. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Iowa State University and later transferred to North Dakota State University, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

David met Mary Ann Nygaard and was united in marriage to her on July 10, 1953. The couple spent their first few years in Burlington, Vermont, where Dave was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. During the rest of their married lives they lived in several locales all across the United States as David worked as chief of engineering at many Veteran’s Administration hospitals. His final employment was at the Minneapolis VA Hospital and in July 1986 he and Mary Ann retired to Alexandria. Mary Ann died in 2000.

David loved to hunt and fish. In Alexandria he was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the Golden K Kiwanis club. He was also a life-long learner, keeping up with the computer changes and at the age of 78 learning how to play guitar. More than anything, however, people will remember David Minnie as a man of integrity.

He is survived by his children, Marshall (Vicki) Minnie of Aurora, CO and Kathryn (Scott) Borton of Eagan. Also surviving are grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Borton, Karen Borton; and great-grandson, Evan Borton; as well as his sister, LaVonne Purrington of Ada.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 7 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Dave Wangaard officiating. Becky Worley provided organ music. Serving as pallbearers were Christopher Borton, Steve Purrington, Virgil Purrington, Bruce Purrington, Nathan Purrington and Stewart Purrington. Interment was at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis with the Rev. Charles Trittin officiating.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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