David Lerum

David J. Lerum, 83, of Ellendale, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at his home.

David was born October 8, 1938, in Austin, MN to Chester and Esther (Anderson) Lerum.  He attended school in Austin until, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force.  While enlisted, he completed his GED.  After being discharged, he worked for many years as a machinist.

While out dancing, David met his best friend and love of his life, Joyce Turner.  On June 24, 1978, the two wed in Elmo, Texas.  They moved to Ellendale in 1989 during a blizzard, and there they raised their family.  The couple continued their love of dancing together, winning dance contests doing the 2-step, and also won tournaments as a competitive shuffleboard team.

David was an avid golfer and taught his entire family how to golf.  He finally achieved two hole-in-ones in his 70’s.  He was known as a pool-shark and could not be beat at arm wrestling.  He loved the dominos game “42” and would spend hours playing with family and friends.  He loved to sing karaoke, especially the song “New York, New York”, and watching Law and Order.  David also enjoyed mowing his lawn, being extremely particular on how it was cut and to what length.

David was incredibly intelligent.  He knew every question on “Jeopardy” and would let you know when your response was incorrect.  He was a Rubik’s Cube master, enjoyed crossword puzzles, and would tell anyone wanting to know the meaning of a word to get the dictionary and look it up.

Left to cherish David’s memory is his wife, Joyce; and his children: Wade (Roseann) and Brad (Becky) Lerum, and Doug Spence; 13 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Esther; his sister, Darla Ray; his sons, Ronnie and Greg Spence; and his granddaughter, Aleesha Lerum.

A time to celebrate David’s life will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at the Bonnerup Funeral Service Ellendale Chapel.