David William Kubista

David William Kubista, 66, of Rochester, died Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at his home with his family at his side and after a long battle with cancer.

David was born April 26, 1948, in Owatonna, the son of Jerome and Annette (Sommer) Kubista. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1966. He married Ardie Haack, and the couple had three daughters, Michele, Kim and Staci. Dave worked at Happy Chef in Owatonna, and also in Rochester until 1975. He then began working at the Eagles in Owatonna and 20 years at Owatonna Shoe. He worked for a while for Loeffler Shoe in Minneapolis. In 1999, he met Debi Hodenfield, and the couple made their home in Rochester, where Debi was living. Dave and Debi then worked out of the home in home-based businesses. 

Dave's passion for pool was shown through his avid participation in pool leagues for 35 to 40 years. He also played in numerous pool tournaments and helped organize and run many other tournaments with his brothers. He was an active volunteer for 17 years of the Steele County Free Fair. He and Debi enjoyed going to other fairs as well as the state fair where he would actively recruit vendors to come to Owatonna. He also enjoyed going to parades. Dave loved being outdoors and very rarely stood still. He was always on the go. He loved people he met throughout his life and loved his family.

Dave was an Eagle member; Steele County Fair Ag Society; Midwest Showmen's Association, and Owatonna Business Association. 

He is survived by his significant other of 15 years, Debi Hodenfield of Rochester; three daughters, Michele Kubista (and Andy Olson) of Faribault, Kim Knott of Faribault and Staci (and Frank) Altrichter of Ellendale; three stepsons, Jamie (and Letitia) Hodenfield of Rochester, Joshua Smith (and Megan Gustine) of Hayfield and Jason Hodenfield of Rochester; his father, Jerome Kubista of Owatonna; his brothers and sisters, Michael (and Sherry) Kubista of Owatonna, Julie Kubista of Faribault, Kari Sletten of Ellendale, Mark (and Tammy) Kubista of Mankato, Laurie (and Bob) Evenson of Owatonna,  Daniel (and Sandie) Kubista of Owatonna and Dennis (and Karyn) Kubista of Owatonna; Debi's mother, Toots Lawman (and Bob Kline) of Rochester; a brother-in-law, Rodney Lawman (and Deb Kramer) of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Lori (and Lee) Schoenrock of Dodge Center; 17 grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Annette Kubista; two sisters, Denise Kubista and Jolene Kennedy; a son-in-law, Rich Knott, a brother-in-law, Allan Sletten and Debi's father, Lawrence Lawman.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. at Michaelson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jonathan Davis officiating. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.

Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN 55060, 507-451-7943.