David John Rother was given the gift of eternal life through faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ on November 16, 2024, at the age of 80 years. He was a loving brother, uncle, great-uncle, and great-great-uncle. He took pride in knowing that he was an uncle and never forgot their names. He always asked concerning his great-nephews, “Now who is the tallest?” And saying, “Wow!” at their height.
David was born September 7, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minn. At the age of 1 1/2 years, the Lord blessed him with loving and devoted parents, Herbert and Florence (Rupprecht) Rother who were overjoyed to receive him as their son. They honored his birth mother by keeping his name John as his middle name.
After his graduation from Winona Senior High In 1962, David had plans to attend Winona State College. Two weeks after graduation his plans were dashed by an auto accident that left him with severe brain damage and physical disability. After a period of recovery over several years he was able to move to Red Wing, Minn., where he worked at IRC Industries and lived on his own.
After retiring from work, he moved to Caledonia, Minn., living at Buckley Assisted Living, Caledonia Care and Rehab, and then Green Lea Manor in Mabel, Minn.
David became an avid Packer fan at a young age and followed them faithfully, loving anything Packer related. He also loved books and collecting them in his room. We’ll never look at a can of Dr. Pepper without thinking of him!
Our sincere thanks, appreciation and love to all who gave Dave kindness, patience, respect and love as his caregivers both in Caledonia and Green Lea Manor and those who worked in the kitchen helping and encouraging him and making him something special to eat. Thank you to St. Croix Hospice who made him comfortable and peaceful his last two days.
David was preceded in death by his father and mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and two cousins.
He is survived by his loving sister Mary, brother-in-law Dean Schroeder, nephews and niece Todd (Danyel) Schroeder, Jason (Melissa) Schroeder, and Tara (Steve) Barnes; great-nephews and nieces Austin, Noah, Elisha, Victoria, Claira, Gavin, Samantha, Trysten, Mason, Deena, Lara and Sarah; and great-greats K.J. and Nora Sue.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2024, at St John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 650 N. Kingston St, Caledonia, Minn. Rev. Tom Shultz will officiate. Following the service, a time of food and fellowship will be held in the lower level of the church. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, Minn., at a later date. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in David’s Memory may be directed to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia.
Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com.