David Emil Josephson

David Emil Josephson was born on June 14, 1930, on the Riverside Farm in Westerheim Township. His parents were Sigfus Frank (S. Frank) Josephson and Elin Askdahl Josephson. He grew up on what became the family farm south of Minneota. David graduated from Minneota High School in 1948. After obtaining his Associate of Science Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1950, he returned to Minneota to farm with his father. On September 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Meade Keith. David enjoyed farming and raising his family, and was known in his family and community for the integrity of his character and the generosity of his spirit. He was a wise person with a deep and abiding faith and a gentle sense of humor. He was proud of his family, his farm, and his Icelandic heritage. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and, after his marriage to Betty, of Hope Lutheran Church, serving in many leadership positions. David was a long time member of the St. Paul Cemetery Board, serving as secretary until shortly before his death. David was also active in his community and served on the Nordland Township Board and on the Lyon County Zoning Board. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Zuhrah Shrine and the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed square dancing with his bride, woodworking, canning and hunting. David was most passionate about his family. He very much enjoyed his grandchildren’s 4-H cow herd at the farm and beef projects that competed at the local and state fairs. He actively followed Minneota sports including girls basketball, wrestling and football. In his later years, he enjoyed tailgating at his grandsons’ football games, pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota and deer hunting on the farm with family and friends. He served as a mentor to many people, especially young people; he had a gift of listening well and providing wise advice, guidance and encouragement. He died on Saturday, August 8, 2015, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota surrounded by his loving family. Survivors include his children Robert (and Diann) Keith of Benton, IL, Deanna (and Ron) Graham of Fergus Falls, MN, Kevin (and Kristi) Josephson of Onalaska, WI, Scott (and Roberta) Josephson of Minneota, Jyl (and Jim Nelson) Josephson of Jersey City, NJ, grandchildren Heather Harriss, Daniel Keith, Kristi (and Chad) Jesse, Matthew Graham, Robyn (and Chris) Lawatsch, Chelsea Josephson, Hannah Josephson, Erin (and Jerren) Roberts, Adam Josephson, Isaac Josephson, David Foster (and Brandon Charles), Aksel Nelson, 14 (and soon to be 15) great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and numerous young people that he mentored. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, brothers Frank A., Robert, and Fred.