David Eugene Merchlewitz

David E. Merchlewitz, Age 84 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away on August 6th, 2026. David was born at home in Stockton, MN on December 25th, 1941. He attended Winona Senior High School and graduated with the class of 1960. From there, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1961-1967. There he reached the rank of MR2 (E-5). After serving his time with the Navy, David met his wife, Charlotte. They married on August 19, 1967. Together they raised their 5 children. He worked as a skilled machinist for American Hoist and Derrick Company, Waterous and then Northwest Airlines/Delta Airlines up until retirement. David was a proud member of the IAM union. In addition to his machinist jobs, he also served part-time as a paramedic and as a Part-Time Police Officer in Cottage Grove, MN for over two decades. After retirement, he worked for a time at Sierra Hotel Aero. Other than his work, David enjoyed many things in his life. Number one being his family. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to learn new skills by watching and doing. Because he loved to learn, David knew how to fix almost anything. No matter if the issue was mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural, he would have the answer. He read countless how-to-books, and he loved taking community ed classes. Not only did he teach himself to play several instruments, but he also built his own dulcimer too. He designed and built many other things out of wood, including various toys and tables around the house. His skill set stretched into art where he could create beautiful pieces out of multiple mediums. One could find oil paints, pastels, watercolors and charcoal around the house. Over the holidays, he would paint fun characters on the big picture window to decorate the house and amuse the kids. David was always taking photos of family and vacations recording memories. David was also skilled at computers and recalled talking to Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, in the early years when computers only had chat rooms with sysops. David also enjoyed cooking dishes and baking cookies and breads and even tried his hand in cake decorating for a while. He had a great sense of humor and always had everyone laughing. He was truly a Renaissance Man being good at many different things. His wisdom, strength, humor and selfless heart touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through everyone he inspired. He is preceded in death by (Parents) Hubert and Elsie, (Siblings) Paul, Margaret and Lawrence. He will be deeply missed by his loving (Wife) Charlotte; (Children) Christine, Michael, Kimberly, Carla & David; (Siblings) Harold, Diane, Laverne, Alan, Carol, Mary and Carlotta. A funeral service will be held on Friday September 4th, 2026, at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior at Church of St. Rita - 8694 80th St. S. Cottage Grove MN. Interment will occur on October 19th at 2:00pm at Fort Snelling Cemetery. Special thanks to the VA Medical Center Hospice/Palliative care unit and the entire hospital staff. Financial donations preferred to Alzheimer's Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars

David Eugene Merchlewitz

December 25, 1941 - August 6, 2026

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