Obituary: David Erling Baarstad

David E. Baarstad, CDR, U.S. Navy (Retired) died Aug. 19, 2015, at the age of 91. He was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, June 9, 1924, the son of Archie and Anna Baarstad.

He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in June 1941. While studying at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Cadet on Dec. 2, 1942. He completed flight training in November 1944 and assigned to a patrol squadron at Whidbey Island, Washington until the war was ended in 1945. Following WWII he returned to Concordia College and graduated in 1948. In 1950, he married Joyce (Stowe) Baarstad. During the Korean War, David was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He continued flying patrol and transport aircraft in the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. In 1970, he retired from the Navy in San Diego, California.

In 1989, Joyce and David moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Among other activities, he was a volunteer with the Red Cross at Nellis Air Force Base hospital. David moved to The Windsong Villas in Prescott Valley, Arizona, in June 2013. Wherever he lived, Dave was always there to help others. His quiet Christian faith and generosity will always be remembered.

He is survived by his children, David and Linda; brother, Sherman Baarstad; sisters, Kathryne Hoffland and Ann Ellingson; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; his sons, Paul and Mark; his parents; his stepfather, Leonard Mikkelson; and his sister, Marie.

A service and burial with military honors will be at 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2015, at Southern Military Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. Cards may be sent to Ms. Linda Barthelmy, 1677 Donax Ave., San Diego, CA 92154. Any memorials may be sent to Memorial Gift for David E. Baarstad, Concordia College, Advancement Office, 901 8th St. S, Moorhead, MN 56562.

Information provided by survivors.


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