David James Stetz

David Stetz, 74, died of natural causes on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 while working at Aggregate gravel pit near Ulen, MN.     Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM, Monday, August 14, 2017 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville with Father Gary LaMoine presiding.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Barnesville.     Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7 PM.   David James Stetz was born on May 16, 1943 in Barnesville, MN to Joseph Martin and Bernice (McDunn) Stetz.  He grew to manhood in Barnesville where he attended Assumption Catholic School, and then graduated from Barnesville High School in 1961.  He always liked to tell people, “he was born on one side of the street and graduated on the other.”   David met Virginia Johnson while dancing at Spruce Grove near Frazee.  They were united in marriage on October 24, 1970 at Assumption Catholic Church.  The first wedding dance was held at the Galaxie in the afternoon and continued in the evening at Spruce Grove.  His work-life started following school. He worked for Gene Johnson at the SuperValu grocery store.  In 1965, he opened Dave’s Market in Barnesville.   In 1971, he and his brother-in-law, Ted Solien, purchased the locker plant in Pelican Rapids known as Dave and Ted’s Locker, Inc.  They ran it from 1971 to 1983; and then again in 1986 to 1991. His work life continued; in July of 1984, he took over and managed the Galaxie Supper Club in Barnesville.  In 1988, he managed the Moose Lodge in Fargo until 1992.  In July of 1992, he became the manager of the Knights of Columbus in Fargo, where he worked until 2003.  While working there, in 2002, Dave and Virginia along with Gordon and Beverly Johnson, purchased the Galaxie Supper Club in Barnesville and continued to operate it until May of 2015.  They hired Leah, so Dave could keep an eye on her. Beginning in 2006, he worked for Aggregate Industries during the summer months from May to November.  The rest of the year, from November to May he worked at Heart O' Lakes Meats checking on Jason in Pelican Rapids.  If you couldn’t find him working at any of these jobs, check the local casinos.   Dave was a member of Assumption Catholic Church for 70 years, reciting the rosary every morning. Dave was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, a Moose Lodge Member, member, past president of the Jaycee’s and member of the Clay-Wilkin Deer Hunter’s Association.   Dave’s favorite hobbies included mowing lawn and cutting/splitting wood.  He loved spending time with his love, Virginia, who was most important. His grandchildren brought him great amazement and joy.  Dave loved to dance to polka music.  He was a devoted Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan.  He will be remembered for showing his card trick called “Tony & Jack had a Nightclub.”   David is survived by his wife Virginia of Barnesville; two children: Jason (Nicki) Stetz of Pelican Rapids, MN and Leah (Jim) Stetz-Williams of Moorhead, MN; five grandchildren:  Joseph, Jenna and Jarett Stetz and Jacob and Zachary Williams; and Robert Hilgers, of Barnesville, who Dave considered a son and family by all; two brothers: Louis (Jan) Stetz of Pelican Rapids, Donald (Sharon) Stetz of Maple Grove, MN; two sisters: Eleanor Solien of  Henning , MN and Doris LeNoue of Barnesville, MN; and three grand-dogs: Chewee, Derby, and Jordyn; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; special aunt, Sister Edwin McDunn; brothers-in-law: Gordy Johnson, Ted Solien and Bob LeNoue; and niece, Janet Lass.     David's Memorial Folder