David William Dehnke

David William Dehnke, age 86, of Alexandria passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025 with family by his side at the VA in St. Cloud, MN. 

David was born on September 26, 1938, in Eau Claire, WI the son of Walter and Arlene (Strausberg) Dehnke, he was one of six boys. David graduated from High School in Fall Creek, WI and worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the Army in 1962. David served in Vietnam from 1962-1963 during this time he was exposed to Agent Orange. He was then stationed in Alaska from 1963 – 1964 and honorably discharged in 1964. While in Vietnam David worked as an airplane repair man. He would often volunteer for recovery missions and on one of these missions his helicopter was shot down in the jungle. David received the Medal of Merit for these extra missions. 

After his discharge David returned to Fall Creek and worked at the Creamery and also tended bar. This is where he met Marlys (Frey) Bork and they married on September 3, 1966. Making him an instant Dad to Marlys two children: Lori and Todd. In 1968, David started driving semi-truck over the road and eventually started his own trucking company DWD Trucking. The family moved to Alexandria, MN in 1969 and David continued trucking until his health issues forced him to sell his truck and company. With driving truck in his blood he started working for Mark Lee, first as a dump truck driver and then in the screening pit. He worked for Mark Lee for 18 years before retiring.

David was a member of the VFW Post 936. He served as Judge Advocate from many years. David was proud to be a Veteran and was blessed to have been a participate in the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” that was held in Alexandria. This really touched his heart.

David enjoyed spending time with family and playing Bingo at the VFW. He had his “special” seat he sat at every Saturday morning. He enjoyed visiting with his friends and fellow veterans at the VFW and the “Lounge Ladies” along with a few gentlemen at the Legacy Apartments where he and Marlys spent the last 3 ½ years. 

David will be remembered for his “quick wit” and willingness to help others. He always found a way to “geri-rig” almost anything. David leaves behind his daughter: Lori Schmidt of Alexandria; son, Todd (Monique) Bork of St. Cloud; grandchildren: Tiffani (David) Murray of Kensington, Nick (Carrie) Schmidt of Morris, MN, Ian Bork of St. Cloud, MN; great grandchildren: Ezra Murray, Huxley, Harlow, & Henley Schmidt; brothers: Melvin of Fall Creek, WI, Gene (Marion) of Port Richey, FL; sister-in-law, Joyce Frey of Alexandria and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; parents, Walter & Arlene; son-in-law, Brad Schmidt; brothers: Donald, Harold, Delbert; sister-in-laws: Peggy, Bonnie, Valerie & Karen Dehnke, Louella (Toots) Streit, Esther Asborn; brother-in-law, Wayne Frey.

The family would like to thank Douglas County Hospice, St. Cloud VA Hospice for their care and support to David and his family during his last days.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Monday, January 13, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.