David Lee Fadness, 91, died at home in Austin, Minn., Nov. 4, 2021, from natural causes.

David was born in 1930, in Fergus Falls, Minn., to Nels Lewis Fadness ’22 and Signe Fadness.  David grew up in Decorah, Iowa, graduating from Decorah High School in 1947. After spending four years in the Army, he attended and graduated from Luther College where he met his future wife, Joyce (Dahl) Fadness ‘63. They married in 1954. Joyce preceded him in death in 2014. David is survived by his five children, Randi Lee (Lennis) Johnson of Foxborough Mass.; Karwyn Signe (Fadness) Gustafson ‘79 (Don) of Albuquerque N.M.; Sarah Louise (Ernest) Tremper of Torrington, Conn.; Kristoffer Lewis Fadness ’87 (Sandy (Triska) Fadness ’89) of Austin, Minn.; and Peter David Fadness ’91 (Kristine Kennedy) of Winchester, Mass.; eight grandchildren, Jaclyn, Elizabeth, Ernie, Zachary, Sela, Signe Fadness ‘23, Dexter, and Claire and great-grandchildren Riley, Jameson, and Clara.

Both of David’s parents, Nels ‘22 and Signe, served on the faculty at Luther College. Three of David’s children graduated from Luther (Karwyn ‘79, Kristoffer ’87, and Peter ‘91) as well as one grandchild (Jaclyn Johnson ‘00).

David devoted his life to education. He was a teacher, coach (basketball and golf), and administrator. David started his teaching/coaching career in Houston, Minn., in 1955 teaching History, moved on to teach and coach at South Winneshiek in Calmar, Iowa, in 1960 and then returned to Houston in 1970 as a high school principal and coach. He retired in Houston as a History teacher in 1994, but continued to serve the community on various committees and local organizations. David loved golfing, reading (poetry, history, and John Sanford), writing (he wrote articles for the Houston Banner for many years) and acting. He loved his family and enjoyed being a part of all their life experiences.

The family would like to thank the Primrose community both present and past staff in Austin for the years of care and friendship. Also, thank you to Moments Hospice for your services and care. Donations may be made in his name to the Houston Public Library or the Houston Food Shelf. A memorial gathering will be held in Houston in the spring.