David J. Ginkel

Dave gave so much spirit to Richfield School's as a bus driver. He was always on for something fun and interesting. Whenever there was a field trip, he knew where a great restaurant was for the drivers to get a bite and relax between runs. The favorite was Hells Kitchen. His students adored him. He was firm, fair and fun.
Dave will be missed but never forgotten as he was an original.

I also knew Dave through my cousin Judy Kent. I used to go spend many weekends on Spring Lake in Prior Lake! So many great memories.... When I meet Dave for the first time, I knew he was someone very special. He made me and my family feel so welcome. He will be sadly missed by so many and my life is richer for knowing him. May God bless and help family and friends through this difficult time.

It"s always tough to hear of a child friend and have known through the years to have passed on. I would run into Dave once in a great while and we would always share what was happening in our lives or perhaps of others we both knew. I had not seen Dave since his employment at the insulation company. He was always proud of his work. God Bless.

Letter to Dave

Ok, let’s see if I can write this and keep my composure. I am on a flight back to MN for your funeral, the day I have dreaded since I found out you were sick. Yes, we tried to get together while you were on this earth, but it was not to happen. I actually thought there was a very strong possibility you would pull this one off as you have so many other challenges in life. You, my friend, are going to be very deeply missed. Even though we have not continuously been in touch since we “broke-up” in 1986, you have always been in my thoughts and very much in my heart. You were a gift to me in so many ways and although we went our separate ways, it did not mean I stopped loving you. As they say, “People come into your life for a season, for a reason or for a life time.” I always thought that it was one or the other but in the case of your impact on my life; it was for a season (a five year courtship), definitely for a reason and someone like you leaves foot prints in one’s heart that can not be easily erased, so guess what you also qualify for the lifetime award as well. There you go 3 for 3. Sort of like in sports, which is actually where I met you. Ok, so yes, it was in a bar but it was after a softball game. We were playing for TJ’s Saloon and you were the coach. I was a young college student and you were this wise older man who knew everything about life. The things you taught me, have carried over into a life time of gifts. The major one was “Karma”. When I met you I had never heard of “Karma” before and you lived by it day in and day out. Then the other one I remember is “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”. Then there was the one that really stuck with me…..”It is better to keep your mouth shut and be seen as a fool, then to open it and remove all doubt.” Although, we were not capable of making it as life long partners, I will never forget you and the impact you had on my life. For this, I will be forever grateful. Of course, I can not forget all the fun times we had; at the house on Spring Lake, boating, you playing the guitar and singing “Norweignwood” to me under the stars out on the lake, you teaching me to water ski, playing softball, volleyball, road tripping to Rochester and I was never able to thank you for making me go back to college. You supported me through it all and I can imagine it may not always been easy. Then many, many years go by, we take different roads in life but I still want to invite you to my 40th b-day party. Since my whole family was there, you would have thought it was your party when you walked in the door. It was like you had gained “Rock Star” status as everyone was saying “OMG, Dave Ginkel is here”. That made for a very special birthday party for me. We laughed and reminisced. The gift you gave me was only something you and Debbie would come up with and it brought some great laughter.

People move on in life and go their separate ways….…but one thing I know for certain is that it is better to love and lost, then to never have loved. I am such a better person for having met you. The things you taught me about life at such a young age are priceless and know that you will forever have a special place reserved in my heart that no one can fill. I know you are up in heaven looking down on all of us and guiding us in the way you did while on earth. I know God has a special place for you in heaven and I can imagine that your dad and Debbie were waiting with open arms to welcome you. Heaven will never be the same now that the three you are back together. Rest in peace, you deserve it and thank you so much for sharing your life on earth with me and so many others. We are all better people for having you in our life.

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dave through my cousin Judy Kent. I have fond memories of him from the early 80's. He used to go to the Alpine Inn, in mpls and shoot pool with Judy and my mom. I remember his smile and how funny he was. He was so fun and easy to be around. He was truely the kind of guy who could be a real friend. He will be missed. May God be with you and bring peace to all the friends and family who knew and loved Dave.