David Allen Campbell, 83, of Lanesboro, Minnesota, died Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Dave was born September 25, 1942, in Lanesboro, Minnesota to Carmen and Juliet (Olson) Campbell. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1960. On September 25, 1965, he married Barbara Langstaff at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Dave owned and operated the Lanesboro Body Shop from 1981 until he sold it in 2002. In his retirement, he worked as a custodian at Lanesboro High School, where he was able to tell stories, and catch up with many local teachers and coaches in southeastern Minnesota, and worked as a guide for Amish Tours – both jobs he really enjoyed.
Dave was active in the community, being a member and president of the Coachmen’s Car Club, Lanesboro Gun Club, National Turkey Federation, Bethlehem Church Council, Sons of the American Legion, and the Lanesboro Museum Board. The greatest pride he took was being a member of the Lanesboro Fire and Ambulance Service “EMT” for 31 years where he made some of his closest friends that he remained friends with until his passing.
His family was his true pride and joy and he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance and musical events. Whether he was sitting in the stands, standing at the finish line of a cross country meet, or building a blanket fort, there was nowhere else he would rather have been. He rarely missed an event. He was extremely proud of the careers and families his children built. He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed many days hunting with the hunting crew – the “Goulash Gang.” Dave enjoyed winter camping and snowmobiling, playing cards with friends, inventing new and unique names for local friends and acquaintances. He also enjoyed learning and sharing the history of his small town, and embodied what a true small town resident he was. There was no better story teller than Dave. “Cam” was always ready for “Monster Deals” and was seldom seen without a smile on his face.
He enjoyed many trips to the family cabin on Ten Mile Lake, Minnesota, where he loved to listen to the loons and watch the sunset over Kenfield Bay. Laguna Beach, California was another favorite spot, especially watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean at Crescent Point, which was a trait that his father passed down to him, and he has passed down to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of 60 years, daughter Desirae (Rich) Hahn of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, son Lance (Leah) of Stewartville, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Hope, Travis (Geapza), and Nicholas Hahn, and Norah, Elise, and Audrey Campbell; one great-granddaughter, Alora Hahn; brother Gary (Nancy), brother-in-law Paul Langstaff, nephews Matthew and Andrew, niece Kaitlyn, close family friends Richard “Dick” and Lisa Thoen, and many others whom Dave considered his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother- and father-in-law, two nephews, and many close friends and family.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Lanesboro. A private family service and burial will happen prior.
Memorials are preferred to the Ten Mile Lake Association or the Lanesboro Museum.
Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com
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