STOUGHTON - David A. Anderson, age 75, a man known for his love for his Savior, Jesus Christ; his jolly sense of humor; and his amazing ability to repair anything; entered into heaven on January 24, 2022.

David was born in Cloquet, Minnesota, to Arnold and Helvi (Staudinger) Anderson on July 30, 1946. He was raised in Esko and Duluth, Minnesota. He graduated from Duluth Central High School and Salter Vocational School with a certification in Auto Mechanics.

After serving as a radio teletype operator in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, David attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became a licensed aircraft mechanic. Later, he earned an Authorized Inspector license as well.

Also an accomplished pilot, David held many ratings, including Commercial Pilot, Multi-engine Flight Instructor, Instrument Instructor, Float Plane Instructor, and Airline Transport Pilot. Teaching others to fly was a passion for David, and he did so while managing Sky Harbor Airport in Duluth and owning a flight school in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His former students still maintain that he was the best instructor ever. Dave's career also included time spent as a corporate pilot, flying freight around Wisconsin, and working for FedEx as a jet mechanic.

Even more important to David than aviation, however, was that everyone should know that God loves them and that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin. He wanted all to "make arrangements to miss hell," as he often said. He also told his beloved grandchildren that when they would someday hear he had died, they should not believe it--he would be more alive than ever! He would have simply changed addresses!

For thirty years, Dave faced a myriad of health challenges and accepted each one with faith and good humor, inspiring all who knew him well.

Surviving David and missing him greatly, are his wife of nearly 54 years, Claudia (Baker) Anderson; his daughter, Kate (Luke) Dennis; and grandchildren, Isabelle, Ava, and Indiana Dennis; all of Stoughton. Rejoicing with David in heaven today are his sons, Jon and Jason Anderson; his parents; and his father-in-law, Robert Baker. He is also survived by four siblings: Darrell (Brenda) Anderson, Sharon (Bill) Finn, Saundra (Donald) Singh, Dan (Maureen) Anderson; his mother-in-law, Jan Baker; and many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and gnephews. All much-loved! David would also want to acknowledge his many special cousins in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

For thirty-four years, David has been a member of LakeView Church in Stoughton. An outdoor memorial gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. @ Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

David A. Anderson

July 30, 1946 - January 24, 2022

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