David Mark Dunham
November 19, 1951 – February 15, 2023
It is with a mixture of grief and joy that we announce the passing of David Dunham. Grief, of course, in the loss of our brother, uncle, great-uncle, and devoted friend. Joy, in that his everlasting tenure in heaven now begins as he is welcomed by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – whom he accepted into his heart and life seven years ago. Mental illness is difficult to navigate, but Dave found the inner peace that only God can give.
David Dunham was born on November 19th, 1951, to John and Helen Dunham in Rutland, Vermont. The family moved to Minnesota and then – now numbering five sons – moved from Minnesota to Valley City in 1960. David graduated from Valley City High School in 1970 and then received his secondary ed science teaching degree from Valley City State College. After that, he earned his master’s in botany from NDSU. David taught high school science in Velva, ND as well as in Cooperstown. After a short stint managing his father’s hardware stores (Rawlins, Wyoming and Fort Plain, New York), he settled back to Valley City, where he was the city forester for a number of years – ticking off people who didn’t like having to remove their trees because of Dutch Elm Disease.
Uncle Dave was the favorite of his nieces and nephews. He loved them all and took interest in their interests. Not having married or having children, they were like his own. He will be missed by all.
David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his older brother, Phil (Vicki), Great Falls, MT; and younger brothers Paul (Roberta) Yuba City, CA; Jim (Nancy), Great Falls, MT; and Tom (Jean), Grand Forks, ND – as well as 17 nieces/ nephews and 28 grandnieces/nephews. His funeral service will be held at the Lerud-Mathias funeral home on Saturday, February 18 at 11:00. Visitation will be a halfhour prior. The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerud-mathias.com. An online guestbook is available there as well.
We are forever grateful for the loving care he received by the nurses and staff at SMP Health.