David Kline

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Obituary

David Kline, 82, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, February 4, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at a later date at Spirit Lake Memorial Gardens in Spirit Lake, IA. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

David Morton Kline was born June 8, 1942, to Robert and Evelyn (Dierks) Kline in Olewein, IA. Dave's collegiate career entailed graduating from Spirit Lake Community School in 1960, Morningside College in 1969, and received his Teaching Degree from the University of Sioux Falls in 1971. He later served on Morningside’s College Alumni Board.

Dave enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1963 serving four years with two of the years in Japan.

In 1967, Dave married Anita Kay Rokusek in Tabor, SD after a Lake Okoboji romance over several summers. They became parents of son Michael and daughter Katy.

Dave taught school in South Dakota and Iowa. He joined Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as a District Executive, which moved his family to the Mitchell area for 38 years. After BSA, Dave worked and retired from the US Census Bureau, but remained active in BSA activities. He was active in the scouting program for 60-plus years helping shape future generations through the scouting program. One of his proudest achievements was being able to earn the Silver Beaver award through his many years of volunteerism in scouting.

Dave loved the outdoors including returning to the Lake Okoboji Iowa area where he grew up swimming, hunting, and fishing. He spent many childhood summers living in the water in the Triboji Beach area. Dave was also an avid stamp collector. He also loved music and dancing, especially with his wife Anita Kay. The Roof Garden dances at Arnolds Park, Iowa were staple date nights during their courtship. Dave loved old cars; especially his 1953 yellow GMC pickup. His love for conversing allowed him to talk to anyone and everyone.

Dave was a member of the Knights of Columbus, BSA, VFW, American Legion, Elks, and Rotary Club. He was active in his faith, volunteering for various church activities for many years.

Dave is survived by his wife, Anita Kay Kline; daughter, Kathryn Kline (friend Spencer Grubb); brothers, Steve (Pam) Kline and Bob (Jan) Kline; brother-in-law, Tom (Norma) Rokusek; and all his nephews and nieces and their families, many relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Kline; parents, Robert and Evelyn Kline; in-laws, Jim and Frances Rokusek; grandparents, Roscoe and Donna Kline and Waldo and Elizabeth Dierks.

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