David Dannen

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David Dannen, 62, of Colton passed away unexpectedly Thursday, October 19, 2017 at his home.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Colton. Burial will be in the St. Ansgar Cemetery, rural Colton. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Monday at the Minnehaha Funeral Chapel, Colton.

Dave was born June 22, 1955 in Sioux Falls to parents Ray and Sophie (Highstreet) Dannen. He grew up on the family farm near Colton, and graduated from Tri-Valley High School in 1973. After high school Dave attended Mitchell Area Vocational School and got his degree as an Auto Technician and then worked in Huron.

In Dave's early years he enjoyed car racing and was the pit-crew chief for the "22 car" in the modified class, where they raced at Huset's Speedway and other race tracks in the surrounding area. After modified car racing, Dave was involved with go-carts and raced at Saddleback Raceway near Garretson.

Dave moved back home to work on the family farm and while looking after his mother Sophie, he got into the dairy business milking Jersey Cows, he knew every cow by name and number. Along with farming, Dave also worked as a machinist at Grayco for ten years.

Dave was an avid and very talented "crack-shot" hunter with his rifle and shotgun. He had countless successful deer and antelope hunts and drew a once in a life time elk license, where on the first day of the hunt he shot a large bull elk, which was mounted and hung in his living-room. He enjoyed his Harley driving only on hardtop roads. Dave always had a love for animals, the many cows, dogs and cats were a big part of his life. Dave and Christine shared a love for their Boer goats. They started out with just a few that grew into a large herd, which inspired others within the community to raise goats.

Grateful for having shared his life are his fiancé and best friend, Christine Wicker, Colton; his son, Derek Dannen, Sioux Falls; Christine’s children, Amber (Terry) Andersen, Brandon Steffensmeier, Heidi Steffensmeier, grandchildren, Seth and Nathen Moody; his sister, Raeleen Kresten, Burnsville, Minnesota; brothers, Dale Dannen, Green Valley, Arizona and Doug Dannen, Hayward, Wisconsin; several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.