J. David Fruechte, age 78 of Lake Benton, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2017.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20, from 4:00-7:00 at the Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Elkton, South Dakota. A private family funeral service will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017.


David Fruechte was born on November 8, 1938, to John and Ora (Johnson) Fruechte in Tyler, Minnesota.  He lived on farms near Verdi, Minnesota in his youth, and attended grade school in both Verdi and Eitzen, Minnesota.  David went to Sunday school at the Peace Church in Elkton, South Dakota and was confirmed at St. Luke's Evangelical Church in Eitzen.  He attended high school in Waukon, Iowa, and went on to graduate from Iowa State University with honors.  During his time at Iowa State he was the president of the Independent Men's Club, as well as the business manager of the student farm. He was also enlisted in the Army Reserve. David worked many odd jobs to pay his way through college. It was during his early adulthood that he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Lou (Wenig) on September 5, 1959. The two of them came back out "west" to the prairie of Lincoln Co MN to continue the legacy of Fruechte family farming in Verdi Township. For David, farming meant being a steward of the gifts God gave us. David and Donna were blessed with three children Michael, Katherine and Leanne. It was a great loss when his partner, Donna, died on November 30, 1998.

David enjoyed participating in several hobbies such as wrestling, hunting, trapping, softball and dancing. David was an avid reader. He was very interested in soil and water conservation, and the study of new tillage methods. He was particularly proud of receiving "Century Farm" distinctions. David especially appreciated and relished the time he was able to spend with his family and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

David is survived by his son, Michael (Laurie)  Fruechte, of Pipestone, MN; daughters, Katherine (Alan) Schedin, of Sparta, WI, and Leanne (Patrick) Liebsch of Waconia, MN; Grandchildren Brian, Justin, Elise, Shelley, Tyler, Taylor, Ryan and Ethan. Great Grandchildren Alivia, Mason, Lane, Hadley, Lily, Faith, Micah, Evelyn, Britney, Andrew; brothers, Gaylen Fruechte and Harry (Penny) Fruechte; sisters Joan (Gary) Thyren and LaVonne (Steve) Oenning; one sister-in-law Evelyn Staggemeyer; and special companion Nette Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, mother and father-in-law, and great-grandson Brayden Fruechte.

As an expression of sympathy, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in place of flowers.