David Kantrud

David Edwin Kantrud left this world in an unexpected drowning accident on Otter Tail Lake on Aug. 10, one day after his 63rd birthday.

David was born in Fergus Falls on Aug. 9, 1961, to Harley and Lorraine (Toso) Kantrud. The youngest of four children, David joined his rambunctious Kantrud siblings, Larry, Kay and Jane in adding infectious laughter to each and every day.

 A favorite childhood memory was when David’s mother volunteered to coach his Little League baseball team. With limited knowledge of baseball, she stepped up to plate with a great attitude and led the team to a first-place victory in the city-wide tournament.

 Always appreciative of a good-looking car, David dedicated a large portion of his childhood to playing with things with wheels or building models. As soon as he could drive, he did; proudly navigating the streets of Fergus Falls.|

The Fergus Falls High School graduating class of 1979 included David Kantrud, who received his diploma and continued his education at Detroit Lake Technical College, graduating with a degree in mechanical drafting and computer programming in 1981.

Shortly after graduating from tech school, David began his career as a draftsman, working for two years in the Twin Cities. He returned to Fergus Falls in 1983, and began his 39-year career with Otter Tail Power Company, retiring in September 2022.

David was married to Becky Ouren of Erhard for 34 years, starting their life together on June 12, 1982, and remaining friends until the end. They welcomed their first child, Ryan David, in 1983, and their second, Katie Elizabeth, in 1986. The family of four enjoyed many Kantrud family reunions over the years, which were said to be “better than any holiday” until they ceased to occur. 

When his kids were younger, David enjoyed playing on a co-ed softball team and bowling league. Hitting the road on his motorcycle, with or without a passenger, was an activity that brought David a lot of satisfaction.

David's favorite things, however, came down to two: family and hockey — preferably together. David loved coaching Ryan and Katie’s hockey teams. When his grandchildren came along, his eyes lit up whenever they had a hockey stick in their hands. Working at the rink in his retirement brought about a task that fulfilled every hockey fan’s dream — driving the Zamboni, which he did with his trademark smile as he resurfaced the ice between periods.

David’s siblings were among his best friends, and he had an especially close relationship with his brother Larry in adulthood. Filled with adventurous Florida trips, goofing around on the beach together and passing off fake names, you never knew what sort of shenanigans the brothers might be getting into. They were planning a new adventure at the time of David’s passing — an Alaskan fishing trip.

Lazy days at the lake, making memories with his fiancée, Sherilyn Thiel, and his dog, Nordy, were a special time for David. They often enjoyed sunsets and music aboard their pontoon. The two also enjoyed living room dance parties, cheering for the Minnesota Wild and taking the BMW convertible, “Conrad,” for drives through the county.

 Around Easter in 2018, at Hilltop Church in Fergus Falls, David professed his faith in Jesus Christ and received the Holy Spirit. He often struggled with sleep, and found comfort singing along with Christian music.

 David is survived by his mother, Lorraine Kantrud; children, Ryan (Heather) Kantrud and Katie (Ashley) Kantrud; siblings, Larry Kantrud, Kay (Michael) Dahl, Jane (Scott) Anderson; grandchildren, Maisie, Parker, Haakon, Ty, Hutton; friend, Becky Kantrud; fiancée, Sherilyn Thiel; cousins who were like siblings; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding David in death are his father, Harley Kantrud; sister-in-law, Karen Kantrud; grandparents, Conrad and Elizabeth Toso, Edwin and Minnie Kantrud.

 A funeral service for David Kantrud will take place at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, on Monday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m., with visitation one hour prior and a reception to follow. Interment following the reception will take place at First Lutheran North Cemetery.

Those attending the service are encouraged to celebrate David's love for hockey by wearing the apparel of his two favorite teams — the Minnesota Wild and the Fergus Falls Otters. 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:38-39

 Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been set up at Bell Bank in Fergus Falls in memory of David Kantrud. Funds donated in honor of David’s memory will be used for something close to his heart — youth hockey. 

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com