David D. Hults, Sr.

David Hults Sr., a prolific storyteller, a man who met life with unwavering determination, and who found joy in lifting up everyone around him, passed away peacefully on February 16, surrounded by his family. He was 83.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ethel Darlene (Manthey); his children, Dave Jr. (Cathy) and Danielle (Bob) Sanborn; grandchildren, Hailey, David III (Mariah), Julianne, and Zachary; sisters, Ellie Roslin and Suzie (Warren) Jensen; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Dave was born in Pine City, MN, and grew up on the family farm in Hinckley, MN. His interest in firefighting began early, when he helped extinguish a grass fire at his elementary school. As a teenager, he worked for the Minnesota DNR as a wildland firefighter while his sister Ellie served as a smoke spotter in the tower.

In 1962, Dave met the love of his life, Darlene, and the two were married on June 12, 1964. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1966 and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1968.

A farm boy at heart, Dave grew into a true jack of all trades. His mechanical mind and natural problem‑solving abilities shaped every chapter of his working life. Over the years he held a variety of jobs ranging from veterinarian assistant, MnDOT highway worker, certified upholsterer, cement truck driver, but he spent most of his professional career as a welder and fabricator. No matter the task, Dave took immense pride in doing things the right way. He often said, “If you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when are you going to have time to do it again?”

Dave was always the first to lend a hand, whether to a neighbor, a friend, or a complete stranger. When people asked what they owed him, he would simply reply, “Pass it on to someone else. The next time you see someone who needs help, help them.” His generosity was matched only by his sharp, logistical mind; if you brought him a problem, he was already thinking of solutions before you finished explaining it.

He loved people and made everyone feel like family. To the neighborhood kids, he was “Grandpa Dave,” and to everyone else, he was “Uncle Dave.” Above all, he was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to brag about them to anyone who would listen.

Dave leaves behind a lifetime of stories, lessons, and laughter that will stay with everyone who knew him. He had a gift for making people feel seen and appreciated, and his kindness touched more lives than he ever realized. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the example he set will continue to live on through his family, his friends, and all those he quietly helped along the way.

Funeral service 11 AM Friday, February 27 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 9185 Lexington Ave., Circle Pines, MN 55014 (The service will be livestreamed). Visitation at the church from 10-11 AM Friday. Interment at Morningside Memorial Gardens.

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