David Kiese

David Harold Kiese died peacefully on 9 June 2024 at the Cleveland Clinic North, Stuart FL with family by his side.

Born on 11 Mar 1950 in Winona, MN to Harold and Fern (Blum) Kiese, David grew up on dairy farm in rural Lewiston. He attended St. John's Evangelical Lutheran School and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1967.

David served in D Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division during Vietnam, from 1969-1970, as a helicopter repairman. He continued his service in the Minnesota Army National Guard for over 12 years eventually becoming a Chaplains Assistant, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

David worked as a professional carpenter for over 45 years. He learned his skill as a carpenter as a young boy following in the footsteps of his "Uncle Otto" and shop teacher, Gus Obitz. As a young veteran entrepreneur, he took on many independent jobs in the Winona area. It did not take long before David became a General Contractor and built his own business, David H. Kiese Construction, Inc.

Alcoholics Anonymous was a mainstay in David's life. He struggled with alcoholism following his return from Vietnam but went to treatment in 1977. This experience led him to work to professionally help others struggling with addiction. In 1998 he graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Chemical Dependency.  After graduating from Winona State University, David stated Kiese Counseling Services in Viroqua and La Crosse. David continued in his sobriety for over 46 years until his passing.

David had many hobbies and boasted an adventurous spirit. He participated with the Winona Area Barbershoppers in the late 1980's. He often would dress as a clown or pull the "Barbershoppers" on their float with his work van for various parades. He took on motocross racing with his son's and spent many summers with the "K - Team" at local races. Hosting flea markets, Harley rides, Troubleshooter concerts, cross country trips, potato pancake parties, and endless campfires; David lived life to the full!

Another activity that David enjoyed for many years was draft horse pulling. He worked hard at becoming an avid horse puller and eventually was able to take his team "Herb and Shorty" to pull in Bozeman, MT and Denver, CO. He had a very special relationship with his horses and would take his team to pull floats for the Houston County parades and for sleigh rides in La Crosse, WI.

Above all his hobbies, David loved to fish more than anything. The very first memories his children have of him include fishing. While still residing in MN, David competed as a co-angler in the Pro-Walleye Tour. He continued his love for fishing when he moved to Florida and in recent years he participated in local FLW Bass Tournaments and joined the Beeline Bass Busters Club. Residing in Okeechobee, FL, on a quiet canal, where he could fish daily, was David's idea of "paradise."

David is preceded in death by his daughter Cindy Jo, parents Harold and Fern Kiese, sisters, Barb Ernster, Karen Sokup; brothers in law, Ron Zeches, Lyle Andersen, Ronald Schultz.

He is survived by his children; Jason Kiese, Michael Kiese (Brenda), and Heidi Sisson (Joshua). Five grandchildren; Mick, Eliza, Anna, Forest and Caleb, and step-grandchildren Kody, Emily, McKenna, Adam Hvitved; siblings, Ruth (Steve) Olson, Jim (Bonnie) Kiese, Diane Martinson, Joanne Zeches, Betty Agin, Sara (Mitch) Stephan, John (Sandy) Kiese; many nieces and nephews; and his very best friend "Koz."

David will be laid to rest on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10.a.m at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. Full military honors will be presented at the graveside service. Feel free to join David's family for refreshments and a time of fellowship at the Preston Serviceman's Club "The Club" in Preston, MN following the graveside service.