David R. Dufresne

David Rivard Dufresne was born on October 6, 1944, to Harold and Marian (Thomas) Dufresne in St. Paul, Minnesota. David grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul and graduated from Central High School in 1962. He then received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. After graduating in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a staff sergeant in the Tactical Air Command at Shaw AFB in Columbia, South Carolina.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1970, he studied briefly at the ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles before returning to the Twin Cities and working as an Interior Designer for Dayton’s Commercial Interiors. A highlight of his experience at Dayton’s was his work on preserving the Art Deco interior of the Forum Cafeteria in downtown Minneapolis.

After leaving Dayton’s, he resumed his graduate studies and obtained a master’s degree at the St. Paul School of Associated Arts. He stayed on as an instructor in interior design for several years before working at retail tile businesses in the Twin Cities. In retirement, he held a part-time retail position at the Midway Menards store in St. Paul.

David was a life-long, active member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in St. Paul. He held several leadership roles and was a member of its senior choir. He also applied his talents to generate banners and other artwork for its worship services.

He was an avid football fan and appreciated both popular and classical music. He enjoyed interacting with his extended family and exploring its history and genealogy.

David is survived by his brother, Joel (Joanne) Dufresne; nephews, Alexandre and Thomas Dufresne, Benjamin and Jonathan (Danea) Woltmann; and nieces, Rachael (Daniel) Berglund and Christa Satterfield as well as by many grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

Memorial service 11:00 AM Saturday, June 20 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St @ County Road B with visitation from 10-11 AM. Private interment Sunset Memorial Park.