Obituary of David Donald Havelka

Obituary David Donald Havelka 79, of Swanville, MN lost his courageous battle with lung cancer and passed away in his home in Tucson, AZ on January 24, 2019 with family and friends at his side. Dave was born on January 10, 1940 and raised in New Hradec, North Dakota. He graduated from South Heart High School in North Dakota where he was a member of the men’s high school basketball team. After graduating high school Dave got married and farmed in North Dakota for several years before moving to White Bear Lake in Minnesota. While in Minnesota he worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and retired after 31 years of service. During retirement Dave developed properties in Forest Lake, MN and Swanville, MN and eventually settled in Swanville. Dave was an avid fisherman, golfer and enjoyed playing cards. He also enjoyed listening to polka music and on occasion could be found playing the Stump fiddle with local musicians. Later in life Dave enjoyed spending winters in Tucson, AZ where he enjoyed golfing and playing cards and made many wonderful friends. Dave was a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed watching the Minnesota Gophers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. David is survived by his beloved partner Marlene Maurer. His children Germaine (Rayce) Price, Milliken, CO, Terry (Becky) Havelka Littleton, CO and Todd (Denise) Havelka, Missoula, MT. Grandchildren Ryan (Michelle) Chavez, Zachary Havelka and Joshua Havelka. Sisters Tillie Havelka, Mandan, ND, Margaret (Otto) Karsky, Clinton, MN, Maryanne (Ernie) Fitterer, Glen Ulin, ND and sister-in-law Beata (George) Havelka. Brother Otto (JoAnne) Havelka, Owatonna, MN. Marlene’s children Wayde (Deb) Maurer, Russell Maurer, Julie (Randy) Peterson and their families and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave is preceded in death by parents Joe and Mary Havelka, sister Lillian (Joe) Wegh, brothers Joseph, George, Laudie And Robert, grandson Shawn Chavez and Marlene's son Brian Maurer and granddaughter Nicole. A Wake will be held Friday, May 31, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN and will conclude with a rosary. Funeral services will be held, Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Swanville, MN. In lieu of flowers/gifts the family encourages that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choosing. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Donald Havelka, please visit our floral store.