David Stuen

David Stuen of Williston, North Dakota, passed away at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home on January 25, 2024.

His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. the Faith Methodist Church in Williston. The Rev. Ross Reinhiller will officiate the service.

Interment with Military Rites will be in Riverview Cemetery following the service. Fellowship and Luncheon will be held at the church, following the committal service.

Visitation is open to the public on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Everson Coughlin Funeral Home in Williston and for the hour preceding the service at the church on Thursday.

Friends are welcome to visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share memories of Dave or leave condolences for his family.

David was born December 2, 1941, to Bennie and Lillian (VanAlst) Stuen, Williston. He grew up on the farm north of Williston, attended rural and Williston schools. He served in the Navy and following his discharge, met and married the love of his life Sandra Rutter August 1, 1964. They had two children, Lisa and Kelly. He served in law enforcement for 35 years.

Dave worked at Farmers Union Oil and was sent to Rock Island, Illinois for wheel alignment school and worked there until 1967. He then started his career in Tioga with the Tioga Police Department. The next year, Ray Atol convinced him to return to Williston where he served Williston proudly until his retirement in 2002. He was on the team which helped develop the first quick attack, built the pistol range and developed a plan keeping kids safe for Halloween by hosting the first All City Halloween Party. He was awarded the bronze plaque for bravery.

Many officers had second jobs to supplement their income. Dave worked with Herb Huntly at Herb's body shop for years as a vehicle hauler and spent time at Herb's shop. He was on Clint Flory's team as a pit man, boasting his pit man's race trophy edging out Jerry Martinson at the original Williston Basin Speedway. Dave enjoyed driving the bus for rural Williston school district, also. He also volunteered as a leader with the Boy Scouts.

Williston Police Department was his second family. Back in the day, the officers would meet with their families for many occasions whether it was a picnic, Christmas party, camping or a simple get together at each other's homes. He always looked out for his team. Many rotated holidays, dad was home briefly in uniform, so his guys could be there for their families, even though it was his turn to be home.

Dave was known to many as the bird guy, bringing home different animals to save including dogs, cats, owls, hawks, snakes, ant hills and an occasional deer. He enjoyed riding motorcycle, his side by side, traveling, camping, woodworking, his back yard ponds with fish, going for rides to the boon docks, Facebook and spending time with all of his grandchildren. Dave and Sandy enjoy following Williston Teton basketball and to say he was a Nascar and Earnhardt Sr fan is putting it mildly.

Dave is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra; daughter Lisa (Greg) Patton and son Kelly (Kimber) Stuen, all of Williston; grandchildren Miranda (Matt) Fleck, Cari (Levi) Solem, Davis Patton, Shaylee (Jesse) Cruise, Shelby (Ian) Cook, Ejay (Samantha) Stuen, Shantel (Jake) Hagan; ten great grandchildren; sisters Jelean Braaten, Lois Scheele; sister-in-law Pat Stuen, several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jim and Paul Stuen; brothers-in-law, Marlin Braaten, Buck Scheele; and his first family dog Chico.

In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to Mondak Animal Rescue, PO Box 1572 Williston ND; Faith Methodist Church 219 1st Ave W, Williston, ND; or charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Kemp, Dr. Ashley Lemere, Williston CHI Hospice team, Bethel Home staff for the wonderful care given to our husband, father and Papa Dave.