Obituary of David Frederick McIlwain

David Fredrick Mcllwain, born March 5, 1937, died peacefully in his sleep on April 5, 2024. He was predeceased in death by his parents David and Ethel, brother Patrick, wife Betty Jane (née Jarski), infant daughter Michelle, grandson Alex, and second wife Patricia (née Lawrence). Surviving family members include brothers Charles and Michael, children David (Lisa), Clifton (LuAnn), Kathryn (William), Jill, Patrick (Stacy), and Polly (Donathan), and grandchildren Corrine, Hallie, Sidney, Jessica, David, Kyle, and Sky, and great grandchildren Aiden, Adelyn, and Alexis.

Dave and Betty were high school sweethearts, married, and raised their family together until Betty's untimely death from cancer in 1992. Early in life, Dave learned the importance of hard work, and instilled that work ethic in his children. A voracious reader, he valued education, and was determined to help each of his children achieve a college degree. Throughout his career Dave owned and managed retail grocery stores in Minnesota, Colorado, and Florida. An athlete and avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, carpentry, and woodworking. Dave owned and trained hunting dogs and had a lifelong love of animals and nature. The family is holding a small, private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angel Foundation at mnangel.org to help cancer patients and their families.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David McIlwain, please visit our Tree Store