David Ernest Egertson

Egertson, David Ernest, age 92, asleep in Jesus, Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota, a son of Ernest S. and Ardis (nee Jerlow) Egertson. Describing himself as “a product of the Depression and WW II,” Dave’s life was defined by the loss of his mother; at the age of seven, he took responsibility for the wellbeing of his siblings as they grew up together.

Dave was a U. S. Navy Veteran and enjoyed a 45-year career in the railroad industry, beginning in high school with a job at the Milwaukee Road as a part-time messenger. He continued at the Frisco, Burlington Northern and Soo Line railroads, working his way to Vice President of Marketing & Sales through various mergers. Dave said he loved the challenge of marketing in a regulated industry where prices were all the same, which meant he had to obtain business based on the strength of relationships. During that time, he also served as President of the National Council of Physical Distribution Management (NCPDM). He retired early as the result of a merger and finished his work career as Vice President, Marketing and Sales of Cleveland Technical Center. 

As his railroad career progressed, Dave was transferred across the country multiple times-he enjoyed living in new places and working with new people. Each time he moved his family to a different city he would find the best schools for his children as well as a church home where he could use his gifts to serve the congregation. A lifelong Lutheran, Dave served as an officer of every church he ever attended as an adult, including three terms as president of his church in St. Louis. In other congregations he offered his talents as teacher and Sunday School Superintendent; during his life he held almost every church council position. But while church attendance was ingrained for him early on, what he loved most were the people-church was always the center of his social life wherever he lived.

Dave loved his family deeply and was extremely proud of his wife and children and their families. He always said the best thing he ever did was to marry Edith Fristedt in 1951, and that raising his four children and watching them grow were the best years of his life.He was also deeply committed to his extended family and kept track of all his cousins--first, second and third--including one in Norway. As the eldest boy in his generation of 14 cousins, he arranged cousins’ reunions and also larger family reunions that reached across four generations. As his own children grew up, he took them on numerous road trips and vacations to ensure they got to know their grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. 

As a father, he passed on his devotion to family to his four children and provided them with a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility for themselves and others, and an inborn respect for cultural, racial, religious and physical difference. He was often asked to be a speaker for work, church and other functions and passed along those skills as well.

Dave had tremendous confidence and a can-do attitude when it came to mechanical challenges, which he applied to everything from building out his basement to keeping his Model A in top running condition. He was also recognized as the family historian, devoted to understanding and disseminating information typically focused on our Scandinavian heritage. He was a talented speaker and prolific writer, providing stories and memories for his friends at Friendship Village until the very end. 

After he retired from work Dave loved to play golf, restore old cars and build and play with model railroad layouts. He collected memorabilia and old things, including an antique barber chair, a gum dispensing machine, and a miniature steam engine and power plant. He also had many rewarding experiences as a hospice volunteer visiting patients and relieving caregivers.

Dave is the beloved husband for 72 years of Edith Egertson (nee Fristedt); dear father of Jeffrey D. (Jill) Egertson, Jennifer B. (Kevin Volk) Egertson, Yvonne I. Schwandt, and Joseph W. (Sandra) Egertson; loving grandfather of Jarrett (late Sonia) Egertson, Jessica Egertson, Rowan Radcliffe, Nathan Schwandt, Jordan Egertson, and Samuel (Erin) Egertson; proud great-grandfather of Ellis Egertson; dear brother of Joel (Bonnie) Egertson, and Bruce (Mary) Egertson.  Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Irene Egertson, a sister Yvonne Mitchell, and a brother Darrell Egertson.

Services:  Funeral service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 327 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, Friday, February 16, 2024, 11:00 a.m.  Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Pathways Hospice Foundation. Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 4-8 p.m., and at the church one hour prior to services. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.