David L. Emgarten

David L. Emgarten ObituaryDavid Emgarten passed away at the age of 69 on Monday, October 6, 2025 in Watertown, SD.
Memorial services will be October 18, 2025 at 10:00am, with visitation starting at 9:00am, at New Hope Lutheran Church (44604 New Hope Road, Hayti, SD).
Interment will be at New Hope Lutheran Cemetery (across from the church).
Urnbearer will be Randy Emgarten.
Honorary Urnbearers will be David's nieces and nephews.
Military Honors will be conducted by SD Army National Guard and Codington County American Legion Post 17.
David Leo Emgarten was born to Leo Robert and Elaine Harriet (Stormo) Emgarten on September 13, 1956 in Watertown, South Dakota. He attended school in Florence, South Dakota for a short time and then in Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School in 1974. He then studied at Mitchell VoTech in 1975. David joined the US Army National Guard.
David worked at a variety of jobs in Aberdeen and Watertown. He will be remembered most for working as the "Frito-Lay man". The last 11 years David worked maintenance at the Watertown Mall. He enjoyed meeting and talking to people.
Being very athletic, David enjoyed playing ball in his earlier years, later he enjoyed bowling, playing pool and darts. He had a great love for fishing and hunting, as well as taking wildlife photos. He was trying to master the art of pickling fish. He was especially proud of the tagged fish he caught at Stone Bridge; he had that fish mounted.
David was a "great" uncle for his nephews and nieces. He followed their activities and events in which they participated. He also loved sending birthday and holiday cards signed "Guess Who?"
David was always a kind and caring person; and would never ask for anything, but was always willing to help.
David is survived by his siblings, Marilyn "Nicki" Jurgens of Watertown, SD, Robert (Mary) Emgarten of Spirit Lake, IA, Beverly (Ed) Monson of Sioux Falls, SD and Randy Emgarten of Hazen, ND; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alan; and his brother-in-law, Ron Jurgens.
David's family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Prairie Lakes Hospital and Watertown Mall for their support.
David Emgarten passed away at the age of 69 on Monday, October 6, 2025 in Watertown, SD.
Memorial services will be October 18, 2025 at 10:00am, with visitation starting at 9:00am, at New Hope Lutheran Church (44604 New Hope Road, Hayti, SD).
Interment will be at New Hope Lutheran Cemetery (across from the churc