David William Collett (aka Cool Kitty or DC) “sucked his last breath” the morning of March 14, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus.
David was born May 30, 1944, in Preston, Minn., the oldest of three sons to William and Christie Collett. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1962. After graduation he was employed placing underground telephone lines. Most notably this included the home of Hubert Humphrey during his vice presidential role.
At the age of 21, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served two years in England, Germany, and France as a truck driver. After returning from the service he married Ellen Jane Keyes of Wykoff. Together they had five children, Michelle (Rich) Gossman, Bill (Jennifer), Shari (Frank) Markowski, Cathy (Kyle) Runtsch, and John. The couple later divorced in 2004.
Dave spent his life farming in Fillmore County. He also was employed at Gehling Auction Company for 30-plus years. In addition he drove semitrucks for Root River Hardwoods, along with fixing all sorts of farm machinery and vehicles. Dave loved participating in tractor pulls throughout the region. His walls are filled with trophies from all his events. For many years he ran the tractor pull for Preston Trout Days. He even tried his luck at a few combine demolition derbys.
Dave was an avid deer hunter. He enjoyed hunting with his extended family on the family farms. He still continued to serve actively as a Preston City Council member. Within the American Legion he served as the Post commander. Eventually after so many years of service, he became a lifetime member in honor of his dedication.
Dave is survived by his five children, 14 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren (with a fourth due in April). He is also survived by his two brothers, Dick (Carol) of Fountain and Jeff (Mary Rajala) of Green Bay, Wis., and long-term significant other Mary Dodd of Nora Springs, Iowa.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held at noon, Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until noon. Dave will be buried at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston.
Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home Preston is assisting the family.
Blaine Benson says
I remember working with Dave in the US Army near Toul, France. We were in a Transportation Company. We removed almost everything from our bases when Charles De Gaulle kicked NATO out of France 1965-1967. We put a lot of miles on our trucks going to Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands with equipment, ammo, most everything from our bases in France. We put in many long days on the road some times in convoy. Dave was a wonderful person to be working with! I feel very fortunate that I was able to work along side such a great guy! Blaine Benson (formerly of Mabel Minnesota)
Jamie Brockway says
Cool Kitty from the Big City. I sure loved his stories and humor. A legend in Preston. God bless you all.