David Allen Kothe, 78, current Mayor and resident of South Haven, died suddenly of a heart attack on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017.
A funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 15, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fair Haven, with Rev. Timothy Nerud officiating. Burial followed at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be given in David’s memory to Concordia Lutheran Church.
David is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Theodora "Teddy" of South Haven; children, David of Louisville, Colorado, Joe (Shelley) of Eagan, Brian Kothe of St. Louis Park, and Michelle (David) Elhard of Maple Grove; grandchildren, Ian, Jacob and Annalise Elhard, and Luke and Andrew Kothe; siblings, Dorothy Meyer of Buffalo, New York, Stella Cyriacks of Annandale, Herbert (Jan) Kothe of Suburban Park, Maryland, Naomi (Darold) Wold of St. Louis Park, Helen (Jon) Larson of New Brighton, Richard (Carolyn) Eagan, Rev. Kenneth (Katie) Kothe of St. Michael and Connie (Richard) Helgeson of Mesa, Arizona; sister-in-law, Marilyn Kothe of Onalaska, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
David was preceded in death his parents, Rev. Herbert and Martha; brothers, Theodore and Edward; and sister, Grace Neumann.
David was a faithful, loving husband, father, grandfather, family man and friend. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. His family and friends were his joy in life. The legacy of Davids kind spirit will always be remembered. He had a passion for participating and watching sports, humbly proud to be a member of the Kimball Sports Hall of Fame as an All State Football running back. Dave’s love for his Lord and zest for life, will always be remembered. He received his spiritual education from his father while attending public schools in Springfield and Kimball. He graduated in 1962 from St. Cloud State University with a Degree in Elementary Education, with minors in business and physical education. He taught in the Willmar Public Schools for 16 years. He then chose to become self-employed by operating several Christian bookstores in the Willmar area. He had the excitement and joy of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through books and testimony at the bookstores. Sensing God’s call and a desire for further training he enrolled in the new Director of Out Reach Ministry at Concordia University, St. Paul. He then became Director of Out Reach Ministry at Mount Olive in Mound. Later in his career he sold real estate. He was a tireless and selfless volunteer throughout his life. While living in Willmar, Mound and South Haven, David was active in M.E.A., N.E.A., Salvation Army, Kiwanis, Half Way Homes, Bible study teaching, city council and church offices.
Pallbearers: Ian, Jacob and Annalise Elhard, Luke and Andrew Kothe and Bruce Larson.
Music: Orma Lou Jacobsma.
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