Booty, David John

Age 87 of Apple Valley, passed away on Dec. 9, 2024. Dave was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on September 16, 1937, to John and Ethel Booty. He had a happy childhood growing up on Cherry Street with a warm community of neighbors and friends, with many relationships extending into his adult years. It’s said that Dave and his brother, Jim, could not get away with any mischief as their mom would know if they stepped out of bounds before they even made it home! Dave has fond memories of time spent in the Boy Scouts and winters spent playing hockey. He attended elementary and high school in Grand Forks and went on to study at the University of North Dakota-Grand Forks where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He achieved a degree in electrical engineering. He was also enrolled in the ROTC program and after college spent a couple of years in the U.S. Army.

It was while he was in the Army he met the love of his life, Norma Dofflemeyer, at a bachelor officer dance. They married on July 28, 1962, at Fort Sill in Lawton, OK. Dave was honorably discharged from the Army in November 1962 after which they moved to Dallas, TX to start work at Collins Radio. In 1966 they decided to move to Minnesota, settling in Apple Valley, where they’ve resided since 1968.

Dave and Norma had four children, Tracy (Kevin) Lundholm, Christine (Brad) Thoreen, Andrew (Kristi), and Allison (Russell) Needham. He was active in his children’s activities throughout their childhood including scouting, dance, hockey and soccer. Dave was Andrew’s hockey coach for many years. He was also a boys and girls scout leader.

Dave also enjoyed being part of Norma’s passion, gardening, specifically roses. He was active in the American Rose Society and the Twin Cities Rose Club for many years. He and Norma spent countless hours tending their own gardens as well as other community gardens. He even won some awards and commendations for photography.

The light of Dave’s life was his five grandkids, Mikel (Kate) and Ross Lundholm, Justin, Elise and Alec Thoreen. He loved spending time with them and played floor hockey with them from the time they could walk. This earned him the nickname: “Grandpa Hockey”.  As they got older, he enjoyed watching their sporting events; hockey, football and soccer, rarely missing a game.  He was known to keep game stats of all the hockey games. He also had three great grandchildren, Ellie, Lilly, and Hazel Lundholm.

Dave is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-granddaughters, brother, James (Evelyn), nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral at 11am on Thurs., Dec. 19, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, 7800 150^th St. W., Apple Valley, with visitation one hour prior.