David Russell Etter

David Russell Etter was born January 3, 1960, in Staples, MN, the fifth and last child of Louis and Emogene (Schmidt) Etter. He died peacefully in the early morning hours of November 2, 2013, with his children, Jackie and Zach, brother, John, and hospice nurse and niece, Teresa, by his side. David was a Christian, baptized at Faith Lutheran Church, Staples, MN, as an infant and confirmed at First English Lutheran Church, Menahga, MN. He renewed his faith through via de Cristo in April 1992 and participated in numerous weekends by sharing his faith and talents. He was the rector at New London, MN, for February 5-8, 2004. The memorial service is based on the key verse, "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord." Psalm, 118:19. David recognized his sins and faults, but knew he was forgiven and saved by grace through faith. He lived his life to the glory of God, lending a hand to those in need. As an adult, David learned to play the guitar. The lives of family and friends were enriched by the music he made! He provided music for church, Via de Cristo, family gatherings, and just for fun. David attended school at Menahga Public School and graduated in 1978. He attended two years of college, one at Macalester College and one at Fergus Falls Community College. After college, he farmed; provided personal health care; worked construction doing sheet rock, electrical, framing, concrete; leeched; gardened; did sales work; ran a grocery store; to name several of his occupations. If a task needed doing, he was the first to tackle it with his wide ranging and versatile repertoire of skills. David was an excellent athlete playing college football and amateur baseball, primarily for the Midway Snurdbirds and was an ardent supporter of the 'Birds when no longer playing. He also coached youth baseball for several years. An avid outdoorsman, David continued the family tradition of hunting and conservation. He was an enthusiastic deer hunter, but would not pass up an opportunity to hunt pheasants, grouse, ducks or elk. David also enjoyed fishing and spent quality time with family members on his favorite local lakes. David enjoyed the retelling of hunting and fishing exploits and miscues that were a part of every family reunion. David and Sharon Heikkinen married in 1980. They had two children; Jackie Etter, Fargo ND, and Zachary Etter, Menahga. His marriage to Cindy Sherk in 1991 brought four stepdaughters to his family: Nicole (Eric) Leska, sons, Gabriel and Noah; Katrina Pine, son, Cyrus; Amber Pine, daughter, Molly; and Elizabeth Pine (Joel Jay) daughter, Kaylee, and son, Chevall. Besides his children and step children and grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings, Eileen and Larry Pederson, Kennewick, WA; John and Elena Etter, Orange Park, FL; Wayne and Diana Etter, Menahga; Arthur and Mary Etter, Menahga; aunt, Louise Jannusch, Menahga; and great uncle, Rubin and Margaret Schmidt, Phillips, WI. He is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews, spouses and families, and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN, Monday, November 11, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The memorial service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, Park Rapids, MN, on Tuesday, November 12, at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery.