David Grant Fackler

David Fackler Obituary
Fackler, David Grant, age 89 of Plymouth died February 25, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Meta Fackler, and two brothers Robert and William.
Dave grew up at Chateau Place near Lake Nokomis and attended Roosevelt HS. With Renaissance zeal, Dave embraced every possible challenge and opportunity throughout his life. He played hockey, football, and was also a champion gymnast and marksman. The lure of the wilderness drew him to the Gunflint Trail where, for many years, he was a canoe guide. He later graduated from the University of Minnesota where he was in NROTC and met the love of his life, Carol. Dave and Carol married in 1956 in Coronado, California. Dave promptly shipped out as an ensign in the US Navy on the USS Colonial (LSD-18) to fight in the Korean War.
After Dave's honorable discharge as a lieutenant from the US Navy, Dave and Carol eventually returned to St. Louis Park where Dave evolved as a pioneer in the field of main-frame computers with Univac (later Sperry and Unisys). They moved to Plymouth and had two sons, Kurt and Grant. Dave was a warm, generous, and caring father who juggled his own interests in antique cars (member AACA) and shotgunning, along with adventure-seeking and hunting with his sons in the Dakotas, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, as well as Minnesota. Dave and Carol enjoyed extensive European travels together, with a great love for exploring France and the United Kingdom. Dave was a longtime member of Marsh Lake Hunting Club where he joyfully pursued gamebirds with his wife, sons, his friends, including lifelong buddy Boots Nelson, and his beloved flat-coated retrievers, which were all indulgently trained with treats, table scraps, and cuddles.
Dave's hungry mind manifested itself in a wide array of intellectual pursuits, including a voracious reading appetite, technical writing, and creative writing. He wrote numerous handloading manuals, spy novels, and secured multiple U.S. patents for his development of high-performance shotshell components. Dave was unconventional in his methods, but his devotion to empirical research and self-wrought scientific innovation invariably brought him success. He didn't care if somebody had resolved a problem before he did; he just wanted to figure it out for himself and build upon that knowledge, Dave's inventiveness and devotion to ballistic science spawned Ballistic Products Inc. in 1974, known worldwide for its expansive line of shotshell components and related tools & technology. Dave's pioneering lifetime work in shotshells earned him a spot in the Minnesota Waterfowl Hall of Fame in 2017.
Survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Carol; son Kurt (Susan), grandchildren Andi Johannes, David A. Fackler, Alana Fackler, and great-grandchildren Tatiana & Angel; son Grant (Jennifer), grandchildren Elena/Emyr Fackler, Grant Elliot Fackler, and Geneva Fackler; and sister Hallie Hass.
Funeral service 11 AM Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth with visitation one hour prior to service at church. Lunch to follow. Memorials preferred to St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church.
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