David A. Stefonowicz

Age 59 of Lakeville, born January 30, 1965 in Kenmare, ND to Robert & Ruth Stefonowicz, passed away April 20, 2024.

Dave met the love of his life, Teri Sattler, in Dickinson, ND the summer before his freshman year of college and they were united in marriage on September 20, 1986 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, ND. They shared 37 years of marriage together and were blessed with five beautiful children and seven grandchildren.

Faith and family were the stronghold of Dave’s life. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa; never passing on an opportunity to lend a helping hand, a listening ear or just spending time with his beloved family. Dave loved the outdoors and many memories fill the hearts of his loved ones of camping, hiking, biking, yard games, playing football with his grandkids and most of all, trips to the north shores of Minnesota. Dave was an active parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church, serving, along with Teri, on the Parish Committee for forming seminarians.  He and Teri also served together as a Mentor Couple for many years. Bringing his children to Church every Sunday and raising them in the faith will live on through his children and grandchildren. Many friendships were created through his faith community.

Dave attended North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND (1983-87), graduating with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE). He started his studies for an MBA before receiving a job offer from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at which time he started his lifetime career with the FAA in May 1988. His first three years were spent working at the Indianapolis Air Traffic Control Center as a Projects Engineer.  In their desire to be closer to family, Dave was able to relocate to the Minneapolis Air Traffic Control Center in 1991 as a Communications Engineer.  He eventually moved from the Air Traffic Control Center to the Minneapolis District Technical Services office in Rosemount, MN, fulfilling his position as a NAS Plan Program Manager.  Dave formed many friendships over his 36 years with the FAA and was well regarded by all of his FAA family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and peers.

It goes without saying how dearly Dave will be missed by his family. Watching football on Sunday afternoons; playing cards, board games and yard games; attending his grandchildren’s sports activities are just a few of the events where a void will be ever present. As much as he will be missed, we rejoice in our great hope that his soul now rests in heaven with Our Heavenly Father along with the many other loved ones that have gone before him.

He is preceded in death by his dad, Robert.  David will be dearly missed by his wife of  37 years, Teri; children: Brittney (Tony) Hynes, Chris (Allison), Ben, Nick and Anna; grandchildren: Jackson, Bailey, Carter, Parker, Brooklyn, Owen and Emma; mother, Ruth; sisters, Susan Stefonowicz and Pam Passariello (Randy Binegar) and many other family and friends.

Visitation, 5-7 PM, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 with a Rosary and Vigil at 6:00PM at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 14850 Garrett Ave., Apple Valley.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11:30 AM, Thursday, April 25, 2024 with a visitation one hour before at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795, Holyoke Ave., Lakeville.  David will be laid to rest at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Lakeville. A luncheon will be provided at All Saints immediately following the funeral for family and friends to gather and share their stories and memories of Dave. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Link to livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fszwV0xtIcE