William David Cade

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of William David Cade, "Dave" or affectionately "Papa", 82, of Howard Lake, MN, loving husband, father and grandfather. He passed away on August 1st, 2024 with family by his side. Dave was born on January 7th, 1942 in Danville, Illinois to Dale and Priscilla Cade. He was raised in Danville alongside his four siblings, Norman, Sherry, Becky and Danny or "Big Dan". He attended Fairchild grade school in his youth and then Danville High school, graduating in 1960. He was active in cross-country, baseball and basketball with which he excelled. He was selected captain of his basketball team, the Danville Vikings, his senior year and was also the vice president of the Boys Athletic Association. His leadership and drive brought him to Northern Michigan University from 1960-1964 where he excelled in basketball and was known for his effective hook shot. He was described as a fiery and animated player and was named most valuable player, team leading scorer and team leading rebounder his senior year. He was inducted into the NMU basketball Hall of Fame in 1986. Following his undergraduate years, he attended Michigan Tech where he obtained a master's degree in mathematics. From 1968-1972, he taught mathematics and coached the basketball team at Michigan Tech. He loved to coach and loved basketball. In the years to come, he would reminisce about his basketball years and former teammates and players, remembering fondly all the opportunities and lasting friendships this had provided him. He especially enjoyed a friendship with Gary Silc, his best friend of many years. After his college years, he was blessed with three children, Betsy, Mike and Tim, residing in Flint, Houghton, Grand Ledge and Lansing, Michigan. They eventually moved to Madison, Wisconsin where, in 1978, he met his wife of 44 years, Valerie, marrying in 1980 and moving to Minnesota. Here, he started a successful career in insurance, establishing and building his own business from the ground up, Crow River Insurance Services in Delano, MN. He was an active member of the Delano community and loved the community, frequenting local establishments and in doing so, establishing many friendships throughout the years. He welcomed his son, Benjamin, in 1981, followed by two daughters, Emily and Abigail, in 1983 and 1986, respectively. He and Valerie moved to a beautiful country lot where they built their home and raised their family for the remainder of his years. He loved being outside, clearing brush and chopping wood. He also had the gift of gab, and to his children's dismay, would chat with just about anyone for hours at a time. His jovial and generous spirit was evident in his everyday life, where he would be known to gift classic "Papa Cade" trinkets to friends and strangers, from pens to pocketknives and jars of peanut butter. He would give out only king size candy bars on Halloween, nothing less. Christmas was his holiday where his giving spirit would truly shine. He would eventually unofficially "retire" from his business in 2019 and transferred this over to his son, Ben. He welcomed many grandchildren and loved them more than they could ever know. He took pride in watching them grow. He loved his family fiercely and was always concerned for their well-being, reminding them to call, no matter how far away. He would say, "I'll be there" or "I'll come get you" and we all knew this was true. He also had unconditional love for his dog, Millie, a border collie with half a tail and "the most beautiful brown eyes." Though his body failed him at 82 years of age, his love, memories and ideals will live on in his children and grandchildren for many years to come.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Dale and Priscilla Cade, his brother, Daniel Cade, his cousin Ronnie Haton, aunt Mag Wallace, nephew, Ian Moses and recently, brother in law, Kenny Boen, all of whom are deeply missed.

He is survived by his spouse, Valerie Cade, siblings Sherry (Kenny) Boen, Norman (Myrna) Cade, Becky (Jerry) Moses, children, Ben Cade (Tara), Emily Danielson (Robert), Abigail Weck (Chris), Betsy Spore (Scott), Mike Cade (Marissa), Tim Cade (Teuta), grandchildren Annica, Tayah, Collin, Blake, Brielle, Charlie, Maggie, Taras, Josefina and Aurora, great grandchildren Rosalyn and Soraya.

His service, burial and celebration of life is to be held in his hometown, Danville, Illinois (date yet to be determined).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

We are so proud of you, Papa Cade, and pray you now have peace. You deserve the world and are missed more than you can imagine.

"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." -John 16:22