David Curtiss Trelstad, age 82 of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away at home September 27, 2021.

David was born at home on November 20, 1938 in Rindal, Minnesota, to Rev. Peder and Pearl (Faudskar) Trelstad.  He was baptized by his father at Faaberg Lutheran Church.  David moved multiple times during his childhood, eventually graduating from Madison High School with the class of 1956.

Following high school, he enlisted with the Army National Guard where he served for six years.
On August 12, 1961, he was joined in marriage to Judith Crosby at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, Minnesota. Together, they raised four children.

David was an avid golfer, even in his later years, and was an accomplished acoustic guitar player and singer. He loved playing his 1960s Gibson and singing songs like “Sixteen Tons”, “King of the Road” and “Yesterday”, often along with his young children.  David sang and played his guitar for many special events and loved singing with his brothers at family get-togethers.  He especially loved to gather around the table before Thankgiving or Christmas dinner and harmonize to “The Table Prayer” along with 2 dozen or more family members, often bringing tears to his eyes.

David was a talented salesman in many fields including insurance, furniture, carpet, home decorating and automobiles. He was a self-taught sketch artist who created beautiful wildlife drawings.  A talented handyman and craftsman, David remodeled every home he lived in.  He was also an accomplished woodworker who built furniture and cabinetry, and later in life he taught himself how to build acoustic guitars.

After retirement, he and Judy enjoyed taking their RV on road trips to the west coast and southwest states to escape Minnesota winters and visit family and friends. David was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He maintained close contact with dozens of his nieces and nephews and in many cases even their children.  Most of all, David had a special relationship with his grandchildren, who would go out of their way to spend time with him, and enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed theirs.

David was the last surviving member of the P.M. and Pearl Trelstad family, preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Peder and Pearl; and siblings, Allen Trelstad, Maynard Trelstad, Melvin Trelstad, Luther Trelstad, Pearl Clear, Paul Trelstad, Priscilla Wasberg and Beverly Shelstad.

David is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Andrew (Megan Mulkey) Trelstad, John (Kathy) Trelstad, Eric (Michelle) Trelstad, Michele (Ted) McWilliams and Mary Trelstad; grandchildren, Samantha, Isaac, Peder, Devan, Jamie, Adam, Owen, Jacob, and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Layla, Ruby, and another great-grandbaby due any day.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM with visitation one hour prior at The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.